Biochemical Engineers

• 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.
• Read current scientific or trade literature to stay abreast of scientific, industrial, or technological advances.
• 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.
• Develop biocatalytic processes to convert biomass to fuels or fine chemicals, using enzymes of bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms.
• Prepare technical reports, data summary documents, or research articles for scientific publication, regulatory submissions, or patent applications.
• Design or direct bench or pilot production experiments to determine the scale of production methods that optimize product yield and minimize production costs.
• Confer with research and biomanufacturing personnel to ensure the compatibility of design and production.
• Develop methodologies for transferring procedures or biological processes from laboratories to commercial-scale manufacturing production.
• Maintain databases of experiment characteristics or results.
• Design or conduct follow-up experimentation, based on generated data, to meet established process objectives.
• 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.
• Consult with chemists or biologists to develop or evaluate novel technologies.
• Recommend biochemical process formulas, instrumentation, or equipment specifications, based on results of bench or pilot experimentation.
• Collaborate with manufacturing or quality assurance staff to prepare product specification or safety sheets, standard operating procedures, user manuals, or qualification and validation reports.
• Modify or control biological systems to replace, augment, or sustain chemical or mechanical processes.
• Communicate with bioregulatory authorities regarding licensing or compliance responsibilities.
• Design processes to manufacture synthetic molecules for applications such as pharmaceuticals or pesticides.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding the design or specifications of bioproduction equipment, instrumentation, or materials.
• Direct experimental or developmental activities at contracted laboratories.
• Prepare project plans for biochemical equipment or facility improvements, including time lines, budgetary estimates, or capital spending requests.
• Develop bioremediation processes to reduce pollution, protect the environment, or treat waste products.
• Lead studies to examine or recommend changes in process sequences or operation protocols.
• Develop alternative processes to produce crude oil, such as extraction from diatoms or thermochemical conversion of manure or other wastes.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Biochemical Engineers.

• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• 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.
• Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Biochemical Engineers.