Senior Scientist – Bioprocess Engineering and Scale-Up

Join SINTEF in Developing and Upscaling Next Generation Sustainable Bioprocesses

SINTEF is seeking a highly motivated and ambitious Senior Scientist in Bioprocess Engineering and Scale-Up to strengthen our research and innovation activities within industrial biotechnology, fermentation technology, and sustainable bio-based production systems.

The position will support and further develop demonstration activities related to major research and innovation initiatives, including the large EU-project PYROCO2 and SFI Industrial Biotechnology, as well as the operational development and staffing of new fermentation pilot facilities at SINTEF Tiller, Trondheim. We are looking for a candidate with strong expertise and several years’ experience in industrial bioprocess development, fermentation technology, downstream processing, and scale-up, combined with a passion for translating laboratory innovations into value chain implementation and industrial solutions that contribute to a more sustainable society.

About the Position

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing, operating, and scaling biological production processes for the conversion of a wide range of renewable feedstocks into:

• Sustainable chemicals and materials
• Advanced biofuels
• Novel feed ingredients
• Circular bioeconomy products

You will work at the interface between research and industry, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams consisting of microbiologists, process engineers, biotechnologists, digitalization experts, and industrial partners.

A significant part of the position involves supporting the operation and further development of fermentation pilot and demo facilities and driving the successful scale-up of fermentation processes from laboratory and pilot scale to demonstration and industrial production scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale up fermentation processes for industrial implementation.
• Plan and execute pilot-scale and demonstration-scale fermentation campaigns.
• Collaborate closely with industrial customers, technology providers, and research partners.
• Contribute to process modelling and techno-economic assessments.
• Supervise PhD candidates, MSc students, and junior researchers.
• Contribute actively to project acquisition and proposal development.

Qualifications

We are looking for candidates with:

• A PhD in Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Documented experience in fermentation process development and scale-up.
• Strong understanding of industrial biotechnology and commercial bioprocess implementation.
• Experience from pilot-scale or industrial fermentation facilities.
• Knowledge of upstream and downstream processing technologies.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications will be considered strong advantages:

• Experience with industrial fermentation processes for production of chemicals, fuels, feed ingredients, proteins, or other bio-based products.
• Experience with operation and commissioning of pilot plants.
• Expertise in process scale-up from laboratory to pilot and industrial scale.
• Experience with digital tools, process monitoring, automation, and data analytics in bioprocessing.
• Proven track record in securing externally funded R&D projects.
• Experience in proposal writing for EU and national grants.
• Established international network within industrial biotechnology, fermentation technology, strain development, and scale-up engineering.
• Industrial experience from biotechnology, food, feed, chemical, or energy sectors.

Personal Attributes

We seek a colleague who is:

• Comfortable and motivated by working in multidisciplinary teams
• Willing to take responsibility for pilot-scale operations and technology deployment
• Innovative and scientifically curious
• Results-oriented and execution-focused
• Capable of managing complex projects and stakeholder relationships
• Entrepreneurial and motivated by industrial impact

What We Offer

At SINTEF, you will become part of one of Europe's leading independent research organizations and contribute to developing technologies that accelerate the transition to a circular and sustainable bioeconomy.

We offer:

• Challenging and meaningful work with societal impact
• Access to advanced laboratory and pilot-scale infrastructure
• Opportunities to lead international research and innovation projects
• Strong professional and personal development opportunities
• A collaborative and inclusive working environment
• Competitive salary and benefits