Biochemical Engineer
Other Titles
Engineering Director, Process Engineer, Research Associate, Research Engineer, Research Fellow, Research Greenhouse Supervisor, Research Scientist, University Extension Specialist
Develop usable, tangible products, using knowledge of biology, chemistry, or engineering. Solve problems related to materials, systems, or processes that interact with humans, plants, animals, microorganisms, or biological materials.
Biochemical Engineers are responsible for creating a wide range of products. They are typically required to have a sound knowledge in the field of biology, chemistry, and engineering. They perform research, experimentation and other activities to design, develop or modify various biochemical systems and materials. They also maintain comprehensive records of the relevant research or experiments. A part of their job is to find ways to translate laboratory-based insights, findings, and products into real-world applications. They also publish their new insights and findings in the relevant publications.
Maintain databases of experiment characteristics or results.
Consult with chemists or biologists to develop or evaluate novel technologies.
Lead studies to examine or recommend changes in process sequences or operation protocols.
Develop experiments to determine production methods that minimize pollution or waste.
Participate in equipment or process validation activities.
Direct experimental or developmental activities at contracted laboratories.
Review existing biomanufacturing processes to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Read current scientific or trade literature to stay abreast of scientific, industrial, or technological advances.
Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.
Collaborate in the development or delivery of biochemical manufacturing training materials.
Prepare piping or instrumentation diagrams or other schematics for proposed process improvements, using computer-aided design software.
Modify or control biological systems to replace, augment, or sustain chemical or mechanical processes.
Develop statistical models or simulations of biochemical production, using statistical or modeling software.
Collaborate with manufacturing or quality assurance staff to prepare product specification or safety sheets, standard operating procedures, user manuals, or qualification and validation reports.
Review existing manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for yield improvement or reduced process variation.
Devise scalable recovery, purification, or fermentation processes for producing proteins or other biological substances for human or animal therapeutic use, food production or processing, biofuels, or effluent treatment.
Develop methodologies for transferring procedures or biological processes from laboratories to commercial-scale manufacturing production.
Design or direct bench or pilot production experiments to determine the scale of production methods that optimize product yield and minimize production costs.
Design or conduct studies to determine optimal conditions for cell growth, protein production, or protein or virus expression or recovery, using chromatography, separation, or filtration equipment, such as centrifuges or bioreactors.
Design or conduct follow-up experimentation, based on generated data, to meet established process objectives.
Develop biocatalytic processes to convert biomass to fuels or fine chemicals, using enzymes of bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms.
Confer with research and biomanufacturing personnel to ensure the compatibility of design and production.
Develop recovery processes to separate or purify products from fermentation broths or slurries.
Advise manufacturing staff regarding problems with fermentation, filtration, or other bioproduction processes.
Recommend biochemical process formulas, instrumentation, or equipment specifications, based on results of bench or pilot experimentation.
Communicate with bioregulatory authorities regarding licensing or compliance responsibilities.
Communicate with suppliers regarding the design or specifications of bioproduction equipment, instrumentation, or materials.
Design processes to manufacture synthetic molecules for applications such as pharmaceuticals or pesticides.
Develop bioremediation processes to reduce pollution, protect the environment, or treat waste products.
Prepare project plans for biochemical equipment or facility improvements, including time lines, budgetary estimates, or capital spending requests.
Develop alternative processes to produce crude oil, such as extraction from diatoms or thermochemical conversion of manure or other wastes.
Develop toxicological or environmental testing processes to measure chemical toxicity or environmental impact.
Develop processes or products, such as natural recovery monitoring, in-situ capping or treatment, or sediment removal, to treat contamination of subaqueous sediment.
Create simulations or models to predict the impact of environmental factors, such as pollutants, climate change, or environmental remediation efforts.
Design products to measure or monitor airborne pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, or particulate matter.
Reading Comprehension -- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Science -- Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking→ Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing→ Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning→ Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening→ Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving→ Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making→ Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Learning Strategies→ Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Mathematics→ Using mathematics to solve problems.
Monitoring→ Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Instructing→ Teaching others how to do something.
Systems Analysis→ Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Operations Analysis→ Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Systems Evaluation→ Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Coordination→ Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Management of Personnel Resources→ Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Persuasion→ Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Quality Control Analysis→ Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Social Perceptiveness→ Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Analyzing Data or Information -- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Processing Information -- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge -- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings -- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Thinking Creatively -- Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Documenting/Recording Information -- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Interacting With Computers -- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates -- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information -- Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards -- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work -- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others -- Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Controlling Machines and Processes -- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates -- Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material -- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People -- Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Developing and Building Teams -- Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Developing Objectives and Strategies -- Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others -- Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Scheduling Work and Activities -- Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization -- Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships -- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Training and Teaching Others -- Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Maintain operational records or records systems.
Develop technical methods or processes.
Update technical knowledge.
Prepare contracts, disclosures, or applications.
Prepare technical reports for internal use.
Research engineering aspects of biological or chemical processes.
Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
Develop operational methods or processes that use green materials or emphasize sustainability.
Communicate technical information to suppliers, contractors, or regulatory agencies.
Create models of engineering designs or methods.
Estimate operational costs.
Estimate time requirements for development or production projects.
Prepare detailed work plans.
Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
Devise research or testing protocols.
Direct design or development activities.
Conduct validation tests of equipment or processes.
Create graphical representations of industrial production systems.
Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.
Inspect operational processes.
Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
Written Comprehension -- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity -- The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Inductive Reasoning -- The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning -- The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Near Vision -- The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Information Ordering -- The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Category Flexibility -- The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Speech Clarity -- The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Mathematical Reasoning -- The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility -- The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Fluency of Ideas -- The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Originality -- The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Flexibility of Closure -- The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Visual Color Discrimination -- The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Speech Recognition -- The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Far Vision -- The ability to see details at a distance.
Selective Attention -- The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
Language -- Knowledge of the structure and content of the language - English, French, Swahili et cetera - including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Analytical or scientific software -- e.g., SAS; The MathWorks MATLAB; Wolfram Research Mathematica; Minitab; Intelligen SuperPro Designe
Computer aided design CAD software -- e.g., Bioreactor Design
Database user interface and query software -- e.g., Structured query language SQL; Oracle software; Thomson Reuters EndNote
Development environment software -- Software development tools; Microsoft Azure; Ada
Electronic mail software -- e.g., Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software -- e.g., Sage; Xero; Sapama; ebizframe; Macro 2000; SYSPRO ERP; QuickEasy BOS; TrueERP; Microsoft Dynamics; NetSuite ERP; Oracle Hyperion; Ab Initio; SAP software
Enterprise system management software -- e.g., Splunk Enterprise
Object or component oriented development software -- e.g., C#; Apache Groovy; Advanced business application programming ABAP; C++; Python; Python; Scala; Practical extraction and reporting language Perl; Microsoft ActiveX; Oracle Java
Office suite software -- e.g., Corel WordPerfect Office; Microsoft Office; Google Workspace
Operating system software -- e.g., Linux; Red Hat Enterprise Linux; UNIX
Presentation software -- e.g., Google Slides; Corel Presentations; Microsoft PowerPoint
Program testing software -- Debugging software; User interface design software
Spreadsheet software -- e.g., Corel Quattro Pro; Microsoft Excel; Google Sheets
Web platform development software -- Hypertext preprocessor PHP; JavaScript
Word processing software -- e.g., Corel Wordperfect; Microsoft Word; Google Docs
Air samplers or collectors→ Aerosol analyzers
Analytical balances
Autosamplers
Benchtop centrifuges→ Centrifuges
Binocular light compound microscopes→ Inverted light microscopes
Blotting or transfer apparatus→ Electroblotting apparatus
Calorimeters→ Bomb calorimeters; Differential scanning calorimeters
Chemical absorption gas analyzers→ Surface area analyzers
Chemiluminescence or bioluminescence analyzers→ Chemiluminescence analyzers
Complementary deoxyribonucleic acid cDNA synthesis kits→ Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA synthesizers
Digital camcorders or video cameras→ Camcorders
Digital cameras
Dissolved oxygen meters→ Dissolved oxygen probes
Dry wall single chamber carbon dioxide incubators→ Carbon dioxide CO2 incubators
Electronic counters→ Automated particle counters; Condensation nuclei counters CNC; Optical particle counters
Extruders
Flame ionization analyzers→ Flame ionization detectors FID
Fluorescent microscopes→ Fluorescence microscopes
Fog or mist generators→ Aerosol generators
Freeze dryers or lyopholizers→ Freeze dryers
Gas chromatographs→ Gas chromatographs GC
Gas detectors→ Toxic gas detectors
Gel documentation systems→ Protein gel electrophoresis
High pressure liquid chromatograph chromatography→ High pressure liquid chromatographs HPLC
Infrared spectrometers→ Fourier transform infrared FTIR spectrometers
Instrumentation for capillary electrophoresis→ Capillary electrophoresis systems
Ion chromatographs
Laminar flow cabinets or stations→ Laminar flow hoods
Liquid chromatographs→ Fast protein liquid chromatographs FPLC; Refractive index detectors
Luxmeters→ Digital luxmeters
Mass spectrometers→ Ion trap mass spectrometers; Quadrupole mass spectrometers
Microbiology analyzers→ Flow cytometers
Microbiology fermentation equipment→ Microbial fermenters
Microplate readers→ Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA plate readers
Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectrometers→ Nuclear magnetic resonance NMR spectroscopes
Optical diffraction apparatus→ Low-pressure impactors; Particle size classifiers
Orbital shakers
Organic carbon analyzers→ Total organic carbon TOC analyzers
Oxygen sensors→ Oxygen meters
Personal computers
pH meters
Photosynthesis measurement apparatus→ Plant photosynthesis meters
Rapid amplification or complementary deoxyribonucleic acid ends RACE technology products→ Real-time polymerase chain reaction PCR equipment
Reactors or fermenters or digesters→ Enzymatic membrane reactors
Refrigerated and heated reach in environmental or growth chambers→ Environmental growth chambers
Rheometers
Robotic or automated liquid handling systems→ Liquid handling robots
Scanning electron microscopes→ Scanning electron microscopes SEM
Scanning light or spinning disk or laser scanning microscopes→ Confocal laser scanning microscopes
Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters→ Fluorospectrometers
Spectrometers→ Ultraviolet spectrometers
Spectrophotometers→ Microplate spectrophotometers; Ultraviolet spectrophotometers
Steam autoclaves or sterilizers→ Autoclaves
Sugar analyzers
Surface tension measuring instruments→ Contact angle goniometers
Temperature cycling chambers or thermal cyclers→ Thermal cyclers
Tensiometers→ Tensionmeters
Thermocouples→ Flash point detectors
Thickness measuring devices→ Ellipsometers
Tissue culture incubators→ Cell culture bioreactors
Titration equipment→ Automatic titrators
Ultra pure water systems→ Ion exchange purification systems
Viscosimeters→ Viscometers
X ray diffraction equipment→ X ray diffractometers
Investigative→ Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Realistic→ Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Analytical Thinking→ Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Cooperation→ Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Initiative→ Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Innovation→ Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility→ Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Leadership→ Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Independence→ Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Concern for Others→ Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Recognition→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Independence→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.