Bioprocess Engineer

About DeNova 

DeNova is a Canadian biotechnology company developing sustainable food solutions through microbial fermentation. DeNova operates a research and development pilot facility in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, equipped for fermentation process development, analytical chemistry, and microbiology research. With its first commercial facility now under construction, DeNova is entering an exciting phase of growth – expanding its scientific, operational, and commercial capabilities to bring its first product, Psomi™, to market and contribute to the evolution of modern protein production. 

The Opportunity 

DeNova is seeking a Bioprocess Engineer to support hands-on pilot plant operations and the scale-up of its microbial fermentation platform as the company moves toward commercial production. This role is designed for an engineer who enjoys working directly with equipment, and who wants to be closely involved in the practical challenges of translating fermentation technology from pilot-scale development into reliable, scalable manufacturing systems.
 

The Bioprocess Engineer will work primarily in DeNova’s pilot facility, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting upstream and downstream processing equipment while supporting process optimization and technology transfer activities. Working alongside a dynamic team of technicians, scientists and engineers, this role will contribute to building robust fermentation and downstream workflows that can perform consistently at larger scales. This position is well suited to a mechanically inclined engineer who is comfortable with tools, systems, and hands-on problem solving, and who is motivated by seeing technology move from development into real-world production. 

Core Responsibilities 

Pilot Plant Operations: Execute hands-on operation of bioreactor and downstream processing equipment, including setup, sterilization, sampling, seed train activities, data collection, routine troubleshooting, and support of pilot plant maintenance. 

Process Development & Optimization: Support the design, testing, optimization, and implementation of USP and DSP processes for small- and large-scale operations, including procedures compatible with high-yield, continuous fermentation systems. 

Data Management & Analysis: Collect, analyze, and interpret process data to support process validation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities. 

Scale-Up & Technology Transfer: Support scale-up of USP and DSP processes from lab to pilot scale, contribute to commercial transfer activities, and provide technical troubleshooting support with internal and external partners. 

Sustainability & Resource Efficiency: Contribute to efforts to improve resource efficiency, reduce water usage, and support cost-effective operation at pilot and commercial scale. 

Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with Process Development, Analytical, Manufacturing, Quality, and Business Development teams to align processes with product requirements and customer needs. 

Documentation, Safety & Compliance: Maintain accurate records, ensure regulatory compliance, and support safety and continuous improvement initiatives in lab and pilot operations. 

Required Qualifications 

Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, biotechnology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience in bioprocess operations.

Minimum of three years of experience working in a pilot plant, demonstration, or commercial manufacturing environment.

Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting fermentation and/or downstream processing equipment. 

Strong practical problem-solving skills and ability to diagnose process and equipment issues in real time.

Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting process data to support process improvement and scale-up activities.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Comfort working with industrial equipment, tools, and basic maintenance activities in pilot or production environments.

Preferred Qualifications 

Experience supporting scale-up of fermentation processes, including continuous or semi-continuous systems.

Experience working with industrial-scale bioprocessing equipment across upstream and downstream operations.

Familiarity with GMP, food safety, orotherregulated manufacturing environments. 

Experience supporting technology transfer to CMOs, demonstration plants, or commercial facilities.

Work Location & Schedule

This role is based at DeNova’s research facility in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and requires regular onsite work. Due to the nature of biological experiments and pilot plant operations, this role may occasionally require onsite work during evenings and/or weekends.

Why DeNova? 

Join a purpose-driven biotech company advancing sustainable food production through microbial fermentation 

Apply your expertise in a collaborative, fast-paced environment to address real-world challenges. 

Significant growth and development opportunities as the company scales and prepares for commercial launch to market. 

Competitive salary and benefits, with a team culture that values excellence, care, and whole person well-being.

How to Apply 

Please submit your resume and concise cover letter explaining why you would be a good fit for this role through the company’s Bamboo HR hiring portal. Applications will be reviewed beginning in January 2026, with interviews to follow. 

At DeNova, we believe diversity of thought, background, and experience fuels scientific discovery and innovation. We are committed to creating an environment where people of every ethnicity, identity, and lived experience can thrive. We actively encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and other historically underrepresented groups in science and technology.