Chemical engineering careers in the bioeconomy 2020 - IChemE
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BioFutures Chemical engineering careers in the bioeconomy A selection of career profiles
Foreword
In December 2018, IChemE published the final report of its BioFutures Programme.1 The report recognised the
need for chemical engineers to have a greater diversity of knowledge and skills and to be able to apply these
to the grand challenges facing society, as recognised by the UN Sustainable Development Goals2 and the NAE
Grand Challenges for Engineering.3 These include the rapid development of the bioeconomy, pressure to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, and an increased emphasis on responsible and sustainable production. One of the
recommendations from the BioFutures report prioritised by IChemE’s Board of Trustees was for IChemE to produce
and promote new career profiles to showcase the roles of chemical engineers in the bioeconomy, in order to raise
awareness of their contribution.
It gives me great pleasure to present this collection of careers profiles submitted by members of the chemical
engineering community. Each one of these career profiles demonstrates the impact made by chemical engineers
across the breadth of the bioeconomy, including water, energy, food, manufacturing, and health and wellbeing.
In 2006, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defined the bioeconomy as “the
aggregate set of economic operations in a society that uses the latent value incumbent in biological products and
processes to capture new growth and welfare benefits for citizens and nations”.4 This definition includes the use
of biological feedstocks and/or processes which involve biotechnology to generate economic outputs. The output
in terms of products and services may be in the form of chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals, materials or energy.
The growth of the bioeconomy is viewed to be central to achieving many of the UN Sustainable Development
Goals, transitioning towards sustainable consumption and tackling climate change by reducing dependence on
non-renewable feedstocks. This growth demands innovation and realisation of new technologies, underpinned by
essential knowledge and skills.
As chemical engineers we must continue to support, be encouraged and evolve our knowledge to encompass new
advances in engineering biology, synthetic biology and industrial biotechnology. I hope that this booklet provides
inspiration to students who decide to study chemical engineering; to the professionals who work in engineering;
to the companies operating in the biosector interested in the skills a chemical engineer can bring to their operation;
and to the public, to help develop their understanding of the role that chemical engineering plays in society.
As demonstrated by the career profiles presented here, a career in chemical engineering is a journey, and there are
many different doors to open and many different roads to exciting new opportunities. For some people this journey
may start with a chemical engineering degree, but others may enter through other degree subjects or as apprentices
or technicians. All have an important role to play. I wish all reading this all the very best in their own journey!
Dr James Winterburn AMIChemE
Chair, IChemE Biochemical Engineering Special Interest Group
1
https://www.icheme.org/media/8634/biofutures-final-report-v5.pdf
2
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/
3 5
3
4
http://www.oecd.org/sti/emerging-tech/34823102.pdf
Contents
Job title Country Sector Page
N Associate Director Technology (Biologics) 34
A Asia Pacific Process Discipline Leader 8
O Tech Transfer Lead 36
B Technical Plant Engineer 10
P Senior Manager 38
C Production Engineer 12
Q Chief Operating Officer 40
D Energy from Waste Plant Engineer 14
R Graduate Process Engineer 42
E Biomass Process Commissioning Engineer 16
S Process Engineer 44
F President/CEO 18
T Capital Projects Manager 46
G Whey Intake Production Manager 20
U Principal Consultant 48
H Process Engineer 22
I Process Engineer 24
Water
J Lecturer in Healthcare Technologies 26
Energy
K Lead Scientist 28
Food and Nutrition
L Bioprocess Consultant 30
Health and Wellbeing
M Associate Director, Consultancy and 32
Laboratory Operations Bioprocess Design and Manufacturing
F
K E I
H G A M
B C D S J T U
L O Q
R N P
Career5stage
Education
Early career Early-mid career Senior Executive/Board
Introduction
Chemical engineers play an important role in increasing and maintaining quality of life. This is recognised in Biotechnology can also be applied to aquaculture water, eg bioaugmentation, which is commonly used in
Chemical Engineering Matters and can be visualised through the chemical engineering model with the four where the versatility and different properties of municipal wastewater treatment.
challenge themes being affected by cross-cutting issues and concerns, all fundamental to the chemical engineer and microorganisms such as algae makes them suitable for a
Ultimately, the purpose of this document is to raise
their skillset. wide range of applications. These include as a potential
awareness of the impact that chemical engineers have in
feedstock for commercial biofuel production in the
the world, to highlight the wide range of opportunities
future, for use in water filtration systems, or as additives
available to chemical engineering graduates, and
in food such as infant formula and ice cream or as a
to inspire the next generation of students when
Quality of life
source of omega 3 fatty acids in nutritional supplements
Sustainability
considering their options post-secondary education.
as an alternative to fish oils – beneficial for vegan and
The possibilities are endless, and contrary to the
vegetarian consumers!
stereotype that chemical engineering can only lead
Chemical engineers also have a fundamental role in to careers in the oil and gas industry. This document
environmental protection, biosafety, and biosecurity. presents a small number of potential career paths that
They play a key role in designing systems for the chemical engineering graduates may follow upon
Resourcing and manufacturing
Essential issues and concerns
safe and efficient disposal of waste as well as the completing their education. The illustration below
development of bioremediation processes and further highlights some of the areas open to chemical
technologies which utilise microorganisms to remove engineers wishing to pursue careers in the bioeconomy.
Process safety
contaminants, pollutants, and toxins from soil and
Health and wellbeing
Education, training and research Food and nutrition ilita
t ion
ste b
wa ha
m
re
Chemical engineering
ro
m
Mea
yf
ls
ica
Ecosyste
fundamentals: systems t
Biof
alte an
Energ
t
eu rn d
Energy
u e ls
a
ac
da s
Multidisciplinary and
utr
tiv
Energy
iry
e
Ne
collaborative working
Water
Food, drink
and
Food sa
Fo ssing
biose fety
Biofuel cells
The ‘bio’ dimension
nutrition
od
ce
cu a
o
pr
rit
Key challenges
y
nd
products
Fermented
tion Po
nt Biop
lita ta
me
bi tion tre bl
at op
ro
c
This chemical engineering model was initially developed demonstrates the wealth of opportunities within the ia el e
me a
e
and re reh
wa nt
d
m
v
ss
in 2011 and identified the bio dimension as a specific chemical engineering profession, across a wide range of
de
e
Ecosystem
ter
de
Chemical
Research &
area of importance. This continues to be a growth area sectors and all around the world.
sign
for the application of chemical engineering, but the bio
There are a wide range of areas in the biosector in Water engineering Aqua
& techn
dimension is relevant to and influenced by the issues ies
trea ewa
rap
Was
neutrace tic o
of resources, manufacturing, process safety and the
which chemical engineers can work. This includes in the The and f uticargan
tm t
t
oo
bioeconomy
the different branches that sit within biotechnology. l d p l s, c i s m
ca e s
e
environment. The growth of the bioeconomy requires t nt
ro h
er
en t
The diverse areas of biotechnology are matched er
d
olo
treatm l wa c
de edi
consideration of current and future education and the
s f ica
emcts
y
vi
or ls
by the diverse skillset of chemical engineers. This Industria B
g
M
rit
u
opportunities and needs for new research, innovation Marine lu
an d e
y
u
enables the profession to help to tackle many global
c e fre
and development. os s
ics
Bios
afety & bi
challenges such as climate change, an aging population,
hw
h
Biolog
alt
at
resista
Red
er
he
Industrial
Improve
The fundamental principles of chemical engineering and water, energy and food security. Biotechnology
Human
crop
applied in the bioeconomy affect complex, sometimes encompasses a broad range of technologies that utilise
biotech-
nc e
living systems (eg cell cultures) and therefore cannot living organisms to make a variety of products. These
s*
Agric en
nology
ATMP
Gre
exist in isolation. Consequently, chemical engineers range from biofuels and bio-derived chemicals and
ult
hea al
ure
Anim
must work across disciplines in a collaborative materials to drugs, therapeutics, medical devices and s t
Bio uc
lt h
environment now more than ever. novel functional biomaterials for use in areas such as g
s
Consumer prod y
in
ug
e
White/gr
regenerative medicine, eg injectable nanocomposite
Dr
re
ag
m
The work done in developing the career profiles
Bioim
C
hydrogels for cartilage tissue regeneration.
ed
h
em
gs
presented here highlights examples of careers from
iation
in ica
at
across the bioeconomy. The diversity of these careers Other Co ls
Fuels
Textiles
6 7 5
s
tic
Bioforma *Advanced therapy medicinal products
John
McAndrew
Asia Pacific Process Discipline Leader
Stantec
Dunedin, New Zealand
Degree(s) – year, subject and 2003 – M
Eng Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University
university of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), UK
What is the best thing about Understanding the importance of relationships and networks. You don’t always
2004 – MSc Clean Technology, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK your job and working in the need to know how to do everything, but if you know someone who does
bioeconomy? and the right questions to ask, then combined with your core analytical and
engineering skills you can deliver powerful solutions.
Apart from your degree/ IChemE Fellow (FIChemE)
further degree, have you taken
any further qualifications or Chartered Chemical Engineer (CEng) professional registration What does it take to do your Having a positive impact on the environment. Adopting biological solutions is a
professional memberships and job (skills, strengths and great way to achieve this and we can learn a lot from natural processes.
professional registrations? knowledge)? Work hard, work well with other people, understand their perspective, ask lots
of questions.
What is your role and how do I am a consultant process engineer in the water sector. My role includes
you apply the principles of the selection and design of processes to treat wastewater as well as What are the biggest challenges Taking a step back from the pressure of day-to-day technical project delivery to
chemical/biochemical processing commissioning, optimisation and troubleshooting. I use core chemical in your job? be a little more strategic and look to the future.
engineering? engineering principles like process modelling; unit process selection and
sizing; and of course, ‘safety in design’.
What do you think is the same Similarities: common unit processes and technologies.
as other chemistry or process
Please briefly outline your After graduation I completed a master’s degree which included an industrial related industries and what Differences: wastewater ‘feedstock’ is inconsistent, and we need to treat
journey from graduation to your placement. I spent three months conducting a waste minimisation study at a do you think are the main whatever we get.
current role. chemical plant and was eventually offered a permanent role. differences?
Was there anything in particular
that helped? Eg did you have After three years working at the chemical plant, I moved into the water sector
a mentor that inspired or and after two years in Warrington (UK) I relocated to Australia ... eight years What do you think sets the There’s a lot we can learn from nature and working in the biosector is a chance
supported your journey? later I moved to New Zealand. biosector apart as a good place to really embrace this and make a positive contribution to society and our
to work? planet.
When you started your degree The enduring theme has been that I always wanted to do something which
and when you graduated, what is making a difference to the environment and our planet. I have found that a What is the most exciting part of The push for resource recovery and the change in perception from wastewater
were your career aspirations – career in chemical engineering is a powerful tool to do this in a whole range of working in the biosector/in your treatment plants to resource recovery plants.
did you know what you wanted industries. company?
to do? Working in a global company means there are lots of phenomenally talented
people to learn from and diverse project opportunities.
What are some of the exciting The water industry is really excited about producing ‘products’ from
recent developments in your wastewater like bioplastics and power – which is really cool.
sector/company?
What are your top tips for Look for as much work experience as you can during your studies and be
current students and anyone flexible about the type of work you try.
considering a career as a
chemical/biochemical engineer
in the biosector?
8 9 5
Molly
What does it take to do your Fundamental engineering and chemistry knowledge are essential.
job (skills, strengths and Thermodynamics is relevant for energy production processes and knowledge
knowledge)? of predictive modelling is advantageous. Innovative thinking is also important
Bell
to address issues with inconsistency with waste composition.
What are the biggest challenges As a young engineer, my main challenge is lack of experience. I am working
Technical Plant Engineer, in your job? hard to improve my knowledge of all aspects of SUEZ, including landfill and
UK Energy Division processing. I’ve increased in confidence and look forward to being handed
further responsibility in the future.
SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
North East, UK
What do you think is the same It is difficult to say as my experience is solely in the biosector. The
as other chemistry or process fundamentals of chemical engineering apply to most industries, but each
related industries and what sector requires specific knowledge. Some industries are optimising existing
do you think are the main processes; however, the biosector demands new skills and technologies in
differences? order to find solutions to challenges the world faces today, such as global
Degree(s) – year, subject and 2017 – BEng Chemical Engineering, Newcastle University, UK warming.
university
What do you think sets the The waste industry is constantly changing and developing, leaving room for
Apart from your degree/ IChemE Associate Member (AMIChemE) biosector apart as a good place engineers to be involved with a wide variety of projects. Additionally, we need
further degree, have you taken to work? to work with the community to shape its views/thinking towards waste and its
any further qualifications or I may complete a Master’s, which will facilitate career development and disposal.
professional memberships and support me in future roles.
professional registrations?
What is the most exciting part of SUEZ is involved in energy from waste, landfill management, water treatment
working in the biosector/in your and waste processing and recycling. This allows me to learn something new
What is your role and how do My role as a Technical Plant Engineer is to offer technical support to our UK company? by working with people from different disciplines and to be involved in a wide
you apply the principles of Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities. I am responsible for conducting operational range of projects.
chemical/biochemical processing performance evaluation and plant optimisation.
engineering?
Current projects include a design review of the flue gas treatment systems. What are some of the exciting SUEZ is in the process of building an eco-park where waste will be
This is being achieved using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling recent developments in your anaerobically digested to produce biogas and used as a fuel for combustion.
and analysis of the reactions taking place within the reactors. sector/company? At the same facility there is a gasification process which will use waste as
the feedstock. It’s exciting to have potentially found an alternative to simply
burning the waste.
Please briefly outline your I was introduced to a Chartered Chemical Engineer, who was a plant manager
journey from graduation to your at SUEZ, and he sparked my interest in engineering.
current role. What are your top tips for Keep up to date with changes and developments in the industry, using IChemE
Was there anything in particular During my degree, I completed two summer internships with SUEZ resulting current students and anyone special interest groups and publications. Get involved with your professional
that helped? Eg did you have in an offer for a place on its Graduate Scheme. During the internships I worked considering a career as a body – there are many opportunities to volunteer with IChemE throughout
a mentor that inspired or with a female senior engineer who was an excellent role model and I have chemical/biochemical engineer your career and I am currently the Vice-Chair and Secretary for the Teesside
supported your journey? already learned a great deal from her. in the biosector? Members Group.
Gain work experience and get networking! I was offered my first placement,
When you started your degree When I started my degree, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my career. I and subsequently my position as a graduate with SUEZ by keeping in touch
and when you graduated, what studied engineering because of the wide range of career possibilities it offered. with staff I had met on a previous site visit.
were your career aspirations – However, following my internships with SUEZ, I decided that the waste
did you know what you wanted industry was a suitable starting point.
to do?
For those who didn’t start out in The combustion process is basically a chemical reaction for waste breakdown.
biotechnology, what transferable It’s important to understand the waste composition and what it deforms into.
skills made the transition Similarly, knowledge of thermodynamics is required to understand the overall
possible? process of energy production.
What is the best thing about The waste industry is emergent in terms of technology and constantly going
your job and working in the through changes to find alternative and innovative uses for waste such as the
bioeconomy? End of Life (EoL) plastics plant which is being designed to produce oil from
waste plastic.
10 115
Alexander
When you started your degree I wanted to study chemical engineering as I believed it was a degree that would
and when you graduated, what give me skills to make important decisions around improving the environment.
were your career aspirations –
Smith
did you know what you wanted I wanted a graduate job that would allow me to develop as an engineer and
to do? provide interesting real-world challenges to learn from.
Production Engineer For those who didn’t start out in I developed a lot of transferable skills in data analysis and unit operation
biotechnology, what transferable performance/efficiency analysis.
United Utilities skills made the transition
North West England, UK possible? I also developed skills on how to communicate complex technical information
effectively to engage and influence important stakeholders, to drive
operational and process changes.
What is the best thing about The variety of activities involved in the role which can vary from technical
your job and working in the design support for projects to operation and management of sites.
bioeconomy?
Degree(s) – year, subject and 2015 – MEng Chemical Engineering, Newcastle University, UK The best thing about working in the biosector is that it is a fast-moving sector
university and you can achieve a lot of change in a short space of time.
Apart from your degree/ IChemE Associate Member (AMIChemE) What does it take to do your The most important skill is to condense technical information into easily
further degree, have you taken job (skills, strengths and understandable communications that can be used to drive change at all
any further qualifications or knowledge)? business levels.
professional memberships and
professional registrations?
What are the biggest challenges The industry is similar to other chemical or industrial processes, as individual unit
in your job? operations, regardless of industry sector have issues and do not run perfectly.
What is your role and how do I am the onsite technical authority for optimal operation of the United Utilities Therefore, I am often problem-solving using similar thought processes and
you apply the principles of Sludge to Energy (S2E) process and fertiliser production and I am also techniques.
chemical/biochemical processing responsible for providing technical support to four anaerobic digestion sites.
engineering? I analyse the process performance and efficiency of every process step. To do The biggest difference for me is scale of treatment processes. When I was in
this, I assess the site mass and energy balances to correctly size unit operations the nuclear industry, I was treating thousands of m3/decade. Since moving into
for future investment and to manage biogas to ensure the anaerobic digesters bioresources, I can treat thousands of m3/day of sludge.
have adequate process heating for optimal gas yield and sludge treatment.
I also apply many safety principles when managing complex sites. These include What do you think is the same as I feel like I can achieve a lot in a short space of time in my industry.
having an appreciation for the Dangerous Substance and Explosive Atmospheres other chemistry or process related
Regulations (DSEAR), change management procedures, carrying out Layers of industries and what do you think
Protection Analysis (LOPA) and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) following incidents. are the main differences?
Please briefly outline your Following graduation, I worked as a graduate Chemical Engineer at Sellafield, What do you think sets the The wide range of opportunities to develop as an engineer; opportunities to
journey from graduation to your decommissioning nuclear legacy facilities that have waste sludge in them. I also biosector apart as a good place support projects, commission plants, provide technical support to operations
current role. completed a secondment to the operations department of a spent nuclear fuel to work? and manage operations.
Was there anything in particular reprocessing plant. This allowed me to better understand how a chemical plant
that helped? Eg did you have runs day-to-day and how operations are managed safely and improved.
a mentor that inspired or What is the most exciting part of The UK anaerobic digestion and biogas market is being reformed which
supported your journey? Following my graduate scheme at Sellafield, I wanted to apply the knowledge working in the biosector/in your opens the possibility of trying new types of digestion such as co-digestion of
I developed to the renewable energy sector as well as continue to develop my company? different waste streams and opening up different sludge and biogas treatment
knowledge in sludge treatment and processing. I also wanted a role where I technologies.
could apply and develop technical knowledge and be involved in day-to-day
operations to have a more hands-on approach. This led to me applying for my
current role at United Utilities. What are some of the exciting It’s important for students and graduates to know what they enjoy about
recent developments in your chemical engineering, what they want to achieve from their career and how an
sector/company? employer can help them achieve this.
What are your top tips for Many aging unit operations are reaching their design lifetime but not much
current students and anyone funding is available. A challenge is to determine how best to spend money
considering a career as a and change operations to maintain high process efficiencies.
chemical/biochemical engineer
in the biosector?
12 135
Lewis
Eaton
Wilton Energy from Waste (EfW)
Plant Engineer
SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
North East, UK
What is the best thing about It provides environmental responsibility that is exciting and challenging. There
your job and working in the are always new ideas and my experience with the ELP project was a great
bioeconomy? example, processing end-of-life plastics to produce a crude hydrocarbon fuel
that was refined into fuel oils. The energy-from-waste process that I currently
Degree(s) – year, subject and 2014 – BEng Chemical Engineering, University of Teesside, UK work with is now an established process around the world.
university
What does it take to do your Coffee! As with many industry roles an understanding of the fundamentals of
Apart from your degree/ IChemE Associate Member (AMIChemE) job (skills, strengths and engineering is important. There is chemistry involved on both the flue gas side
further degree, have you taken knowledge)? and within the water/steam cycle. The knowledge I’ve gained around other
any further qualifications or After university, I considered studying a Master’s degree but decided that I engineering disciplines also helps. The role requires an analytical mind and an
professional memberships and wanted to gain some industry experience and apply the knowledge I gained eye for detail. Strong interpersonal skills are also very important.
professional registrations? from my degree. It’s something I’ll consider in the future.
What are the biggest challenges I think the biggest challenges are fault finding and trying to improve the
What is your role and how do Plant Engineer – performance monitoring and optimisation. The main in your job? process. Working with complex systems can make investigations and root
you apply the principles of principles of chemical engineering are applied as part of performance cause analysis (RCA) difficult, although very satisfying.
chemical/biochemical processing monitoring and troubleshooting include thermodynamics, heat transfer and
engineering? mass and energy balances.
What do you think is the same As above, but the main differences are surrounding the legislation. The
as other chemistry or process EfW process has developed greatly and we are now operating true energy
Please briefly outline your I joined SUEZ as a Graduate Engineer on the End of Life Plastics (ELP) project. related industries and what recovery plants. However, the primary purpose of an EfW is still diverting
journey from graduation to your After one year, I transferred to the Wilton Energy from Waste (EfW) project. do you think are the main waste from landfill as a valuable resource. This brings social and environmental
current role. I was promoted to site Process Engineer after one year and I am currently the differences? responsibility which is maybe not as great in other related industries. Part of
Was there anything in particular Plant Engineer. I’ve received huge support and opportunities during my years this responsibility is maintaining healthy relationships with local authorities/
that helped? Eg did you have with SUEZ and this has allowed me to gain some fantastic experience. communities and helping educate where we can.
a mentor that inspired or
supported your journey?
What do you think sets the The sector is continuously demanding improvements, which is a great driver
biosector apart as a good place for you as an engineer.
When you started your degree During my degree I became more interested in the energy side of things and to work?
and when you graduated, what wanted to move into a role that would give me this exposure.
were your career aspirations –
did you know what you wanted What is the most exciting part of The responsibility of the biosector to improve processes and develop new
to do? working in the biosector/in your ideas is increasing. This healthy pressure helps promote a natural growth
company? within the industry and working within SUEZ I feel very much a part of this.
What are some of the exciting The ELP process that I worked with was very exciting. Having the opportunity
recent developments in your to work with and help develop this process was unique. Another exciting
sector/company? development within SUEZ is the use of gasification to treat waste.
What are your top tips for I think the best advice is to get some exposure to the industry through
current students and anyone networking and keep up with recent developments and publications in the
considering a career as a industry. IChemE is a useful learning resource too with the special interest
chemical/biochemical engineer groups.
in the biosector?
14 155
Charles
Madondo
Biomass Process Commissioning
Engineer
Bouygues
Northern Ireland, UK
Degree(s) – year, subject and 2014 – MEng Chemical and Nuclear Engineering, University of Leeds, UK
university
For those who didn’t start out in I think the IT course in the university syllabus was important, in the sense
Apart from your degree/ IChemE Associate Member (AMIChemE)
biotechnology, what transferable that most companies immediately give you a laptop and a phone to use when
further degree, have you taken
skills made the transition joining them.
any further qualifications or I studied Java Programming after my degree.
possible?
professional memberships and
professional registrations?
What is the best thing about The ability to explain in simpler terms the complex nature and behaviour of a
your job and working in the process and use tools and maths to justify the reason for a certain behaviour
What is your role and how do My role is Commissioning Engineer. Plants are built to perform to a design
bioeconomy? being abnormal or normal.
you apply the principles of specification, and at commissioning stage I witness testing by the vendor and
chemical/biochemical processing sign off on behalf of the organisation that all functionality complies as per
engineering? design.
What does it take to do your You need to be able to visualise and relate concepts in mathematical form. You
job (skills, strengths and are faced with data and phenomena in a complex and sometimes uniformed
knowledge)? manner. This amount of data can be repetitive and seemingly normal.
Please briefly outline your After graduation, I moved straight into the energy-from-waste industry as
Therefore, the ability to correlate and see the differential is important. This can
journey from graduation to your a Technical Plant Engineer. I reported to the Plant Manager and Technical
be achieved when the engineer collects relevant data and transforms this into a
current role. Manager. I handled reports that answered to projects they allocated me.
picture with the use of graphs and equations.
Was there anything in particular Both the technical manager and plant manager supported me and valued my
that helped? Eg did you have work. I was included as a point of reference in projects that required chemical
a mentor that inspired or engineering skills at other sites in the UK.
What are the biggest challenges The biggest challenge is selling your ideas to senior managers who have great
supported your journey?
in your job? experience but less engineering knowledge.
When you started your degree I wanted to work at a power station. That was fulfilled when I joined Suez.
What do you think sets the The biosector is thriving and new. The biosector work culture is not
and when you graduated, what
biosector apart as a good place predetermined; it is currently forming. There is opportunity for starters to
were your career aspirations –
to work? be able to influence this culture to their advantage as compared to readily
did you know what you wanted
established cultures eg oil and gas.
to do?
What is the most exciting part of The knowledge that material previously regarded as waste and disposed of in
working in the biosector/in your landfill or elsewhere is now being recycled and making the environment better
company? and being turned into useful energy.
What are some of the exciting Almost every borough in the UK will be investing in the biosector.
recent developments in your
sector/company?
What are your top tips for Computer skills are essential in this sector. Students could ask their university
current students and anyone to come up with different assignments to resolve issues like NOx emissions,
considering a career as a heat energy transfer, material handling and analysis. These projects can make
chemical/biochemical engineer a student stand out at the application stage as it demonstrates knowledge and
in the biosector? interest.
16 175
Peter
In 1990 I started PWS Technology (PWST) in British Columbia, Canada. In
1990, PWST built a pilot plant with Agriculture Canada to demonstrate low/
no alcohol wines, beers, cider, spirits, with a key aroma recovery stage. The
Smith
process was further developed to produce refined natural products from
essential oils, the first being Terpinen-4-ol from Australian tea tree oil.
I was head-hunted to Suncor as Technical Director. I worked on the
President/CEO development of a new process to clean oil-sand bitumen, consortium with
Syncrude, Suncor, and Esso.
PWS Technology
Western Canada and UK
When you started your degree I first worked with large companies and moved around to get good training in
and when you graduated, what multi-discipline engineering contracting. This helped me to identify process
were your career aspirations – design, project management and sales as my way forward.
did you know what you wanted
to do?
Degree(s) – year, subject and 1961 – HND Applied Chemistry, Medway College of Technology, Royal
university Institute of Chemistry, UK For those who didn’t start out in My knowledge of distillation has helped, together with marketing, sales
biotechnology, what transferable experience and project management.
1962 – Diploma in Chemical Engineering, West Ham College of Technology, skills made the transition
UK possible?
Apart from your degree/ IChemE Fellow (FIChemE) What is the best thing about My work is all new.
further degree, have you taken your job and working in the
any further qualifications or Chartered Chemical Engineer (CEng) bioeconomy?
professional memberships and
professional registrations? PEng (Canada)
What does it take to do your Wide experience and taking risks.
job (skills, strengths and
What is your role and how do I lead a company that is involved in the development of new technology for knowledge)?
you apply the principles of the cleaning and extraction of value-added products from biomass. We use
chemical/biochemical processing counter-current extraction, distillation and reverse osmosis.
engineering? What are the biggest challenges Projects are new and take a long time to develop and that means cash flow is
in your job? difficult.
Please briefly outline your I worked for BP Kent Oil Refinery as a ‘sandwich’ student and later as a
journey from graduation to your qualified chemist where I specialised in distillation. In 1962 I moved to Sarnia, What do you think is the same The basic chemical engineering technology is similar; the main difference is
current role. Ontario with Dow Chemical as a process engineer, designing chlorine and as other chemistry or process- unusual operation conditions.
Was there anything in particular ethylene plants. related industries and what
that helped? Eg did you have do you think are the main
a mentor that inspired or I moved to Alberta in 1966 to work with Bechtel on the development and differences?
supported your journey? design of the extraction plant for the Athabasca Oil Sands (now Suncor plant)
and project engineering on oil and gas production plants for Imperial Oil
(Esso). What do you think sets the New opportunities, often with new companies.
biosector apart as a good place
I returned to the UK in 1968 and worked for Woodall Duckham on business to work?
development in Pakistan and the UK. In 1970 Bechtel London approached
me and I returned to work on a Belgian oil refinery and troubleshooting on a
copper concentrator project in Mauritania, West Africa. What is the most exciting part of When we start up a new process and it works!
working in the biosector/in your
In 1972 I was head-hunted to join Kvaerner Engineering in Oslo to help company?
develop the company into offshore, mainly North Sea engineering work
including Cod, Tor, Frigg and Statoil projects, and the Abu Qir gas project in
Egypt. What are some of the exciting Renewable fuels from forest waste.
recent developments in your
I then worked for many years mainly with Scandinavian engineering and oil sector/company?
clients on business development and planning of major projects. Work in
Sweden included consulting on floating fertiliser projects for the Swedish
Shipbuilding Corp. yards, and LM Ericsson on a diversification into pipeline What are your top tips for Get wide experience.
control for the gas company in Qatar. current students and anyone
considering a career as a
chemical/biochemical engineer
in the biosector?
18 195Yvonne
Owens
Whey Intake Production Manager
Glanbia Ireland
Leinster, Ireland
Degree(s) – year, subject and 2009 – MEng Chemical Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast, UK
university What does it take to do your Tasks include; managing throughputs and maximising yields, scheduling
job (skills, strengths and activities, developing and coaching operators, identifying and supporting
knowledge)? health and safety initiatives, responding to safety incidents, ensuring product
Apart from your degree/ IChemE Associate Member (AMIChemE) quality and optimising product constituents, investigating quality non-
further degree, have you taken conformances, managing variable costs – embedding continuous improvement
any further qualifications or n Dairy Science and Technology Diploma principles/lean six sigma and ensuring environmental compliance
professional memberships and n Accounting and Project Management Diploma
professional registrations? n NEBOSH Certificate Strengths: leadership, good communication – for peers, service providers,
n City & Guilds Operation of Evaporative Cooling Towers suppliers and line reports, report writing skills, troubleshooting, investigation
n Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and technical ability.
n Text Processing Diploma.
What are the biggest challenges The biggest challenges come from trying to balance workload, issues from
What is your role and how do Production Engineer in food manufacturing – using principles of heat transfer, in your job? aging infrastructure and changing markets. We are now selling our product
you apply the principles of chemistry, personnel management and health & safety to optimise and make into ‘value-add’ markets – this changes the specifications/requirements of the
chemical/biochemical processing process improvements. product, which cannot be easily/consistently met.
engineering?
What do you think is the same n technical aspects eg pumps/valves
Please briefly outline your After graduation, I started the Shift Operations Manager Graduate programme as other chemistry or process n cleaning – the hygiene of lines/tanks etc is critical to our products
journey from graduation to your with British Sugar. This included a NEBOSH diploma in Health & Safety, and related industries and what n people skills
current role. after three years, I progressed to the Shift Operations Manager role. do you think are the main n safety skills
Was there anything in particular differences? n troubleshooting/six sigma tools
that helped? Eg did you have After British Sugar I took up the role as Casein Production Manager in Glanbia
a mentor that inspired or Ireland and recently moved to whey production. Glanbia sponsored a Diploma
supported your journey? in Food Science and Technology and an Accountancy Certificate. What do you think sets the I enjoy the flexibility offered by the dairy industry as it allows me to make
biosector apart as a good place process changes and optimise the process rapidly. We manage change, but
to work? our response time must be immediate because of the live nature of the milk we
When you started your degree I knew I wanted to work in industry, rather than in academic research. I enjoy use as a feed material.
and when you graduated, what seeing how things work and fixing problems. The food industry gives me this
were your career aspirations – through engineering and process technical challenges.
did you know what you wanted What is the most exciting part of The dairy industry is significantly expanding. This means there are always
to do? working in the biosector/in your opportunities for development.
company?
For those who didn’t start out in My structured training gave me responsibility for safety, throughput, quality
biotechnology, what transferable and personnel which made me very employable. I also undertook an online What are some of the exciting New markets for dairy products, new product developments and the
skills made the transition course in lean six sigma as I knew this would be attractive to any future recent developments in your investments required for both areas.
possible? employers. sector/company?
What is the best thing about I enjoy the diversity of working in food processing. The dairy industry is What are your top tips for Gain as much work experience as possible.
your job and working in the expanding and Glanbia is investing heavily. This means there are always current students and anyone
bioeconomy? opportunities for development. considering a career as a Keep your skills base broad – my role requires a range of skills rather than one
chemical/biochemical engineer speciality.
in the biosector?
20 215Joe
Rogers
Process Engineer
Mace/Porton Biopharma
South West, UK
Degree(s) – year, subject and 2016 – MEng Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, UK
university
Apart from your degree/ IChemE Associate Member (AMIChemE)
further degree, have you taken What is the best thing about The industry is very innovative, and I like that the products we make have a
any further qualifications or I completed the Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH) Managing your job and working in the significant impact on people’s lives.
professional memberships and Safely course as part of my permit-to-work issuer training. I have also bioeconomy?
professional registrations? completed the Project Management Qualification from the Association for
Project Management.
What does it take to do your I’m required to think on my feet and apply my engineering knowledge to come
job (skills, strengths and up with a solution to the problem which often needs to be rectified quickly. A
What is your role and how do As a Process Engineer, I am responsible for supporting several capital projects knowledge)? level head, tenacity and logical thinking are a must.
you apply the principles of as well as carrying out troubleshooting activities and process improvements.
chemical/biochemical processing I led a project to install a plant steam system in an existing facility where I had
engineering? to consult steam tables, estimate steam consumption, calculate pipe sizes and What are the biggest challenges Aging equipment and regulatory barriers.
select materials of construction. in your job?
Please briefly outline your After graduating, I joined GSK where I supported a major project for the What do you think is the same Due to the highly regulated nature of the pharmaceutical industry, there is a
journey from graduation to your revamp of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facilities. I as other chemistry or process lot more ‘red tape’ compared to other industries. However, the principles of
current role. also managed an API production facility, ensuring that all safety, quality and related industries and what applying good engineering practice are relevant across all industries.
Was there anything in particular production targets were met. do you think are the main
that helped? Eg did you have differences?
a mentor that inspired or I then joined Mace as a Project Manager, where I supported and led a number
supported your journey? of projects ranging from £10k–£15m.
What do you think sets the There are a lot of innovative products which have a significant impact on a lot
biosector apart as a good place of people and save lives.
When you started your degree I didn’t know what I wanted to do, I just knew that I wanted to get some to work?
and when you graduated, what experience and start paying off my student loan.
were your career aspirations –
did you know what you wanted What is the most exciting part of I am given a lot of responsibility which I find really rewarding, but also develops
to do? working in the biosector/in your my skills and knowledge at an accelerated rate.
company?
What are some of the exciting The recent commercialisation of Chimeric Antigen Receptors Cell Therapy
recent developments in your (CAR-T) is a very exciting innovation in the industry as it has the potential to
sector/company? revolutionise the way that a very damaging disease is treated.
What are your top tips for Read up on good manufacturing practice (GMP) and understand how it applies
current students and anyone to different dosage forms eg tablets or injections.
considering a career as a
chemical/biochemical engineer
in the biosector?
22 235Naomi
Atkinson
Process Engineer
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
North East, UK
Degree(s) – year, subject and 2013 – MEng Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, UK
university
Apart from your degree/ IChemE Associate Member (AMIChemE)
further degree, have you taken What is the best thing about The products we make really do help people and make a difference to people’s
any further qualifications or your job and working in the quality of life.
professional memberships and bioeconomy?
professional registrations?
What does it take to do your Problem solving, communication, teamwork, safety consciousness and the
What is your role and how do Currently, my role is two-fold. I complete the technical transfer of the job (skills, strengths and ability to train people.
you apply the principles of processes between process development and manufacturing. This involves knowledge)?
chemical/biochemical processing hazard and good manufacturing practice (GMP) reviews and ensuring the
engineering? equipment is suitable and qualified for the process requirement. I am also
involved in choosing and qualifying new equipment. What are the biggest challenges Differing priorities throughout the site as we run so many streams in parallel.
in your job? Always trying to find ways to make processes leaner and smarter.
Please briefly outline your I completed a sandwich year during university which led to a job offer after
journey from graduation to your graduation. My line manager during this sandwich year encouraged me to What do you think is the same A lot of the skills are transferable. Scale of work and speed of work at Fujifilm is
current role. grab every opportunity given. I carried this on to my permanent job role which as other chemistry or process more rapid as we are a CDMO.
Was there anything in particular has allowed me to progress from a graduate engineer to a process engineer related industries and what
that helped? Eg did you have and then quickly onto becoming a Quality Auditor which involves completing do you think are the main
a mentor that inspired or internal and supplier audits. differences?
supported your journey?
What do you think sets the The technology is still developing, which makes it a very exciting sector.
When you started your degree I knew I wanted to work in pharma but not specifically what I wanted to do. biosector apart as a good place
and when you graduated, what I also knew that I wanted to become chartered. Once I graduated, I knew to work?
were your career aspirations – that biopharma was the place for me and that I enjoyed the changeability of
did you know what you wanted working for a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO).
to do? What is the most exciting part of Bringing in the new technology and watching/being involved in the
working in the biosector/in your innovations and improvements.
company?
What are some of the exciting Automation (although I think it has a way to go yet).
recent developments in your
sector/company?
What are your top tips for Get as much experience as you can.
current students and anyone
considering a career as a
chemical/biochemical engineer
in the biosector?
24 255Sophie When you started your degree
and when you graduated, what
Definitely not. I sort of fell into research and the biomedical sector, and I’m
very glad I did!
Cox
were your career aspirations –
did you know what you wanted
to do?
Lecturer in Healthcare Technologies
For those who didn’t start out in An ability to break down complex problems and having a curious mind has
University of Birmingham biotechnology, what transferable helped me transition smoothly.
West Midlands, UK skills made the transition
possible?
What is the best thing about I love learning new things, and biotechnology is an inherently multidisciplinary
your job and working in the field that brings together engineers, scientists and healthcare professionals to
bioeconomy? solve some of the biggest challenges facing society.
Degree(s) – year, subject and 2010 – B
Eng Civil Engineering, University of Warwick, UK
university
2013 – PhD Biomedical Engineering, University of Warwick, UK What does it take to do your Hard work, creativity, determination, teamwork and leadership. Having a
job (skills, strengths and curiosity and passion for learning also really helps.
2017 – P
GCert Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, University of knowledge)?
Birmingham, UK
What are the biggest challenges Staying motivated. Research is something that never works first time and
Apart from your degree/ I undertook a Postgraduate Certification in Teaching and Learning in Higher in your job? getting funding for new ideas/projects is very competitive. I try to focus on
further degree, have you taken Education. what I learn from every experience.
any further qualifications or
professional memberships and
professional registrations? What do you think is the same As with other scientific disciplines, working in biotechnology requires good
as other chemistry or process understanding of core principles and an ability to adapt them to individual
related industries and what problems. I think in biotechnology, the societal impact of innovation is
What is your role and how do I am a Lecturer in the School of Chemical Engineering. My research is focussed do you think are the main particularly distinctive.
you apply the principles of on improving the functionality of medical devices. Our team develops new differences?
chemical/biochemical processing methods of processing biomaterials and ways to manufacture them into
engineering? structures that may support tissue regeneration.
What do you think sets the It has direct impact on people by helping them live longer and happier lives
biosector apart as a good place while also improving the efficiency of our NHS and economy. The bio sector is
Please briefly outline your When applying to university I was unsure which engineering discipline I to work? also fast paced with lots of exciting innovation areas.
journey from graduation to your wanted to pursue. After taking optional modules in biomedical engineering
current role. and biomaterials, I secured a PhD in this area through an independent
Was there anything in particular scholarship. I love that research requires me to think creatively and engage What is the most exciting part of Being the first person to try something in a field that could directly impact
that helped? Eg did you have regularly with other professionals. It also demands a lot of determination and working in the biosector/in your people around me is very exciting. Working in higher education also provides
a mentor that inspired or I have found immense support from colleagues and mentors throughout my company? me with the opportunity to share this passion with the next generation of
supported your journey? career. engineers.
What are some of the exciting Biosensors are an exciting area that will provide researchers focussed on
recent developments in your materials and manufacturing aspects of biotechnology, like myself, with a
sector/company? better understanding of real-time patient needs.
What are your top tips for It’s not just what you know but also who you know. Don’t be afraid to ask
current students and anyone questions and make new connections with different stakeholders in the
considering a career as a biochemical engineering sector.
chemical/biochemical engineer
in the biosector?
26 275Rhys
Macown
Lead Scientist
Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
London, UK
Degree(s) – year, subject and 2010 – BE Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury, New
university Zealand
2015 – PhD Biochemical Engineering, University College London, UK
Apart from your degree/ IChemE Associate Member (AMIChemE)
further degree, have you taken
any further qualifications or What is the best thing about The rate of development of new life-changing and lifesaving therapies. We
professional memberships and your job and working in the work at the cutting edge of medicine, performing novel science that will have a
professional registrations? bioeconomy? real impact on the lives of patients and their families.
What is your role and how do As a lead scientist in the industrialisation team at Cell and Gene Therapy What does it take to do your Working in the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult industrialisation team requires
you apply the principles of Catapult, I help develop processes to manufacture the next generation of job (skills, strengths and some knowledge of both process development and the biology behind the
chemical/biochemical processing human cell and gene-based therapies. Biochemical and process engineering knowledge)? therapies’ production processes and mechanisms of action.
engineering? approaches are applied throughout the development process including
identifying and mitigating risks, developing bioreactor control strategies, and
integrating multiple unit operations into a complete manufacturing process. What are the biggest challenges The novelty of the science demands the enthusiasm and resolve to move past
in your job? experiments that don’t turn out as hoped and the adaptability to adjust plans in
a rapidly changing field.
Please briefly outline your Upon completing my undergraduate studies, I was a research assistant for nine
journey from graduation to your months, purifying a biopolymer from bacterial lysate, before joining UCL at
current role. the start of the UK academic year. At UCL, I worked on the development and What do you think is the same The additional understanding of the biology is the major difference from other
Was there anything in particular testing of a microfluidic system for embryonic stem cell culture, introducing me as other chemistry or process chemical and process-related sectors. Due to the high rate of development, it
that helped? Eg did you have to the world of cell and gene therapies. I now develop cell and gene therapy related industries and what is essential to be able to rapidly develop understanding of both new processing
a mentor that inspired or processes at the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, first as a scientist, then a do you think are the main equipment and new biological approaches.
supported your journey? senior scientist, and now as a lead scientist. differences?
When you started your degree No, my career aspirations have developed and changed throughout my What do you think sets the I see the biosector as the most dynamic and rapidly growing sector due to
and when you graduated, what education. biosector apart as a good place the combined drivers of an increasing understanding of, and control over,
were your career aspirations – to work? biological systems; the strain of a growing and developing global population;
did you know what you wanted and the need to find more sustainable approaches to processes.
to do?
What are some of the exciting There are regularly exciting results from clinical trials of cell and gene therapies
For those who didn’t start out in Skills such as process control approaches and mass transfer principles recent developments in your and some of these are starting to get coverage by major news outlets like the
biotechnology, what transferable are equally applicable to bioprocessing and so are the more fundamental sector/company? BBC. It is particularly exciting seeing evidence of major improvements where
skills made the transition engineering skills of design, modelling, risk assessment and reporting. The no treatments were previously available.
possible? commercial understanding engineers bring to scientific development, with a
strong focus on the end goal of development – an economically viable process
for a marketable product – is very valuable. What are your top tips for Look to take courses not just in the theory of biology but courses with practical
current students and anyone basics like aseptic cell culture and molecular biology.
considering a career as a
chemical/biochemical engineer
in the biosector?
28 295You can also read
