Research Manager Downstream Processing

Join the Magic

Our Mission

At Puratos, we create innovative food solutions for the health and well-being of people everywhere. As the global leader in bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients, we help our customers to be successful with their business, by turning technologies and experiences from food cultures around the world into new opportunities.

We are more than 10.000 employees in over 70 countries and a consolidated turnover of around 2.2 billion euros. Our passion for innovation, a pioneering spirit and the unique Puratos culture drive our solid growth and vision for the future This, along with our commitment to our local communities, is what makes working at Puratos so magical.

To strengthen our team in Andenne we are looking for:

Research Manager Downstream Processing

Your Mission

In the heart of Puratos’ R&D site in Andenne, you oversee Downstream Processing (DSP) projects, dedicated to the recovery of valuable proteins and enzymes post-fermentation. Your role extends to scaling up laboratory processes to industrial plant standards, emphasizing meticulous analysis and downstream procedures. Collaborating closely with the bioprocess manager, you lead the charge in driving process and technological improvements, ensuring efficiency and innovation. Additionally, you provide crucial support for the seamless transfer of technology into manufacturing or quality control, spearheading impactful technology transfer programs.

What you will do

• You will be exploring and innovating new DSP to enhance Puratos' processes for enzyme and protein recovery after fermentation, encompassing techniques such as MF, UF, chromatography, and sterile filtration.

• You will be responsible for the design and spearheading process development, characterization, scale-up (from benchtop to pilot unit), and tech transfer to onsite manufacturing facilities, all based in Andenne.

• You will have the chance to share your expertise and coach and mentor junior team members, offering guidance in downstream processing.

• You will apply bioengineering principles for troubleshooting, process modeling, and experimental design and execution.

• Under your supervision corrective actions and control plans to minimize variability and boost productivity in Downstream performance will be implemented.

• You will be collaborating and sharing expertise with cross-functional departments including QC, production, and regulatory teams.

• It is important to present updated results internally and potentially externally during meetings.

• You will be identifying, proposing, and executing analytical protocols for evaluating yields and recovery when necessary.

What we expect from you

• You have hands-on experience in downstream processing, particularly in harvesting and purifying sensitive recombinant proteins (enzymes).

• You're skilled in various filtration systems such as TFF, depth filtration, and dialysis, as well as other separation methods.

• Understanding interactions between proteins and filtration membranes would be beneficial for you.

• You're proficient in precipitation methods for biomass removal, utilizing salts and flocculation.

• You can execute techniques and procedures with limited supervision, following directives from higher-ups.

• Your experience includes maintaining DSP equipment and resolving technical issues.

• You're knowledgeable about DSP process development, including screening resins and membranes and utilizing Design-of-Experiment (DoE) approaches.

• With your Bioengineering degree or equivalent experience, you're well-suited for the role.

• We expect you to have minimum 3 years of biotech experience.

What you can expect from Puratos

• You will be welcomed in a dynamic work environment where passion for innovation, team spirit and continuous improvement are key.
• You will have the possibility to take ownership of your work

  You can count on a competitive salary package with attractive benefits such as:

• Company car
• Meal vouchers (8€/day)
• Group, dental and hospitalization insurance fully paid by Puratos
• 13th month pay
• Minimum 5 training days per year

Watch our corporate movie and feel the Puratos Magic:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNRsBzuRlNI

We are a warm family company with a historical growth track record and a clear long-term vision for the future. We promote a caring, trustful and respecting work environment by putting people first.

We at Puratos cultivate an inclusive global workplace, that fully embraces diversity and equal

opportunities for all. We strive to reflect the richness of our customers, communities and society, accelerating our ability to innovate and deliver on our commitments.