Biochemical engineer: Job description and activities

Biochemical engineering is a more recent offshoot of chemical engineering. Biochemical engineers apply the latest technology to biological materials, processes and systems to create new products. The range of products is vast and includes vaccines, foods, plastic forks and plates, cattle feed, clothing, fizzy drink sweeteners - the list is endless.

The processes biochemical engineers work on enhance the quality of our lives. They are involved in sewage treatment, fermentation processes, animal cell culture, the production and preservation of foodstuffs, making 'magic bullets' that locate and kill cancerous tumours, and developing and producing pharmaceuticals to reduce heart disease.

Typical work activities include:

applying biological and biochemical principles to the mass production of new products;
developing processes from pilot to plant to full-scale production so that the product can be manufactured in bulk, safely, economically and profitably;
designing, installing or constructing, and commissioning new production units, monitoring development and troubleshooting existing processes;
working with chemists and biologists to devise new products and processes;
monitoring production, quality control and checking the safety of existing products.

Biochemical engineers may take on managerial responsibility for projects, or specialise in particular processes or techniques. An increasing number of graduates are choosing to join small start-up companies working on new technologies.

Employers are found in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food, brewing, the water authorities, waste treatment, central and local government and consulting.

For more information see Chemical development engineer.

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