In Gent
Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant was founded in 2008 and currently employs more than 160 staff members. It is a unique and open innovation pilot and demonstration facility for process development, scale-up and custom manufacturing of biobased products and processes from lab to multi ton scale. A wide and flexible spectrum of modular unit operations combined with a team of highly trained and experienced engineers and bioprocess technicians facilitates the translation of biobased laboratory processes into viable industrial processes.
To date, Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant has successfully performed 500+ projects on a bilateral basis with 200+ companies from all over the world. It was/is also involved in more than 50 consortium-based public projects.
We are looking for a hands-on, no-nonsense R&D engineer or biotechnologist with a strong interest in gas fermentation.
If we could design the candidate of our dreams, he/she would have a degree in bio-engineering or a related field (bioprocessing, chemistry, biotechnology, cell- and gene technology), combined with hands-on experience in fermentation and downstream processing. This experience may have been gained through an (industrial) master's thesis or internship, or through professional experience in the biotech sector.
Specific experience with bacterial gas-fermenting hosts (e.g. Cupriavidus, Clostridium, Acetobacterium) or syngas/CO₂-based processes is a strong plus. Knowledge of scale-up, biocatalytic processes, and downstream operations will help you thrive in this role. We are looking for someone who is flexible, eager to learn, independent, structured, and technically skilled, with the drive to tackle challenges and contribute to pioneering work.
As R&D Engineer Gas Fermentation in our lab and pilot facility, you engage in an out-of-the-ordinary job. As part of the R&D team, you will work on state-of-the-art gas fermentation projects with direct impact on Europe's climate ambitions.
* You will develop, optimize, and scale up innovative gas fermentation processes that convert real industrial CO₂ streams into sustainable chemicals, materials, and proteins.
* You will operate cutting-edge pilot equipment, including our mobile pilot plant, which travels across industrial sites in Flanders and Europe.
* You will support technology transfer from lab to pilot, prepare and execute experiments, ensure process follow-up, and translate results into tangible progress for our clients.
* You are hands-on, structured, and flexible, equally comfortable behind the control panel of a pilot unit, drafting a risk analysis, or discussing results with industrial stakeholders.
* You are excited about working abroad for periods of several months when the mobile pilot plant is deployed on client's sites.
We offer a dynamic, international and vibrant working environment with excellent perspectives for the future. All of our new employees are intensively coached by a team of experienced co-workers. You will gain unique experience in gas fermentation and CO₂ utilization, working at the forefront of industrial biotechnology in Europe.
Furthermore, you will receive an attractive salary package (incl. meal vouchers, group insurance, lease bikes… and much more).
You are based at the Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant in the port of Ghent (Belgium), with regular opportunities to work abroad when the mobile pilot plant is deployed.
A suitable candidate can start immediately.