Position Title: Director: Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research, Chemical Engineering (EBE)

Requisition ID: 985

Department:

City: Cape Town

DIRECTOR: BIOPROCESS ENGINEERING RESEARCH

(5-Year Contract Post)

Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research (CeBER)

Department of Chemical Engineering

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is one of the leading higher education institutions on the African continent. It embraces a tradition of academic excellence that is respected worldwide. The academic project remains at the heart of UCT’s mission, which is built on three pillars at the core of Vision 2030: excellence, transformation, and sustainability.

The Department of Chemical Engineering enjoys an international reputation in teaching and research and is actively committed to teaching and research. It also enjoys strong, global industrial support for its teaching and research programmes, and maintains close links with the South African chemical, petrochemical, biotechnological and minerals industries. Research is carried out in the areas of bioprocess engineering, catalysis and catalytic processing, engineering education, environmental systems and process systems engineering, minerals processing, precipitation and crystallisation, energy systems modelling, and sea ice.

The Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research (CeBER) is seeking to appoint an accomplished researcher for the position of Director of Bioprocess Engineering Research in the Department of Chemical Engineering. This senior leadership role offers an exceptional opportunity to drive innovative research in a transdisciplinary arena and to contribute to advancements in bioprocessing and biotechnology to support South Africa’s bioeconomy, circular economy and health biotechnology and bioactives sectors.

The Director will lead a dynamic research team focusing on bioprocess engineering to realize bio-based solutions and bioproducts, with an emphasis on the development and optimisation of processes across diverse research themes critical to delivering new approaches to the circular economy, nature-based solutions, a low carbon economy, and bioactives towards building a healthy Africa. These draw on the team’s expertise in Biohydrometallurgy, Bioprocess Engineering, Bioproducts, Algal Biotech, and Health Biotechnology.

This role requires an appreciation of molecular biology and structural biology, with additional knowledge of bioprocesses, especially downstream processing, considered a valuable asset. The successful candidate will lead collaborations at the interface of chemical engineering and life sciences, ensuring impactful and innovative outcomes. The Director will also be responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with industry leaders, securing research funding, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Centre.

Requirements for the position:

A PhD in Chemical Engineering or Bioprocess Engineering or Biotechnology or Molecular Biology or Structural Biology or a closely related discipline
At least 10 years post PhD relevant experience
Proven publication record
Proven leadership experience and management of research programmes and/or teams
A demonstrable track record in laboratory-based science
A proven track record of securing competitive funding
Well-developed communication, organisational, and mentorship skills

The following will be advantageous:

Experience in inter- and transdisciplinary research groups or teams
Experience of establishing strategic partnerships
Strong knowledge of downstream processing, including protein purification, in biopharmaceutical production, with experience in mRNA vaccines

Key responsibilities include:

Lead and develop a high-impact research programme in bioprocess engineering and bioproduct design
A commitment to supporting innovation, collaboration, and diversity within the research team
Drive transdisciplinary collaboration among chemical engineers, molecular biologists, structural biologists, and other related fields
Establish and maintain strong networks with leaders in associated industries to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange. This may include healthcare, mineral resources, water treatment, biorefineries
Actively seek and secure external funding to sustain the research team and expand research activities
Develop a personal research portfolio
Mentor research staff and students, promoting excellence and growth within the team
Supervise post-graduate students
Represent the institution in professional and academic forums to enhance its reputation in the field

The annual cost of employment, including benefits, ranges between R1, 147 460 and R1, 378 741.

To apply, please visit the UCT Internal Careers site (For Internal Applicants) and UCT Careers site (For external Applicants) to create a profile and submit your application.

Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

A letter of motivation, outlining their vision for the role and how your expertise aligns with the position’s requirements.
A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Certified copy of the PhD certificate
Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address, and telephone number

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency assessments and deliver a presentation to the department. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any inquiries for this position are to be addressed to Ms Abigail Dixon at recruitment03@uct.ac.za or 021 650 1673. Please do not send or submit job application/CV via this e-mail.

Closing Date: 11 February 2025 Website: www.ebe.uct.ac.za

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.