Senior Microbiologist

Voltedge; Dublin; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotech firm specializing in agriculture is seeking a Senior Microbiologist to lead microbial strain identification projects aimed at preventing heavy metal uptake in crops. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Microbiology and a proven track record in strain discovery. Responsibilities include engaging with teams and stakeholders, and mentoring junior scientists. A dynamic role offers a chance to impact sustainable agriculture.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in microbial strain discovery and characterization.
• Strong foundation in microbial stress tolerance pathways.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and optimizing scientific protocols.
• Ability to lead projects and mentor team members.

Responsibilities

• Identify microbial strains that prevent heavy metal uptake in crops.
• Explore stress resistance pathways to improve microbial efficacy.
• Align R&D goals with Formulation and Field teams.
• Engage with legal experts to support IP strategies.
• Communicate technical findings to diverse stakeholders.
• Mentor junior scientists.

Skills

Proficiency in microbial physiology or genetics

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Strong organizational skills

Education

Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related field

Tools

Bioinformatics

Python

R

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Senior Microbiologist

Reporting To: Research Manager

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Location: Belfield, Dublin 4

Hours of Work: 8:30am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri

Talam Biotech is leading the development of novel solutions that enable farmers to produce healthier, more sustainable food. At Talam, we leverage the power of naturally occurring soil microbes to reduce heavy metal content in food crops.

We are looking for a passionate, self-motivated Ph.D. Microbiologist who thrives on solving tough biological problems and turning ideas into innovations that work in the field. If you’re excited by big challenges, bold science, and the chance to improve agriculture on a global scale, we want you on our team.

Responsibilities

1. Strain identification and characterization:

   • Use Talam Biotech’s proprietary platform technology to identify microbial strains which can prevent heavy metal uptake into crops.

   • Develop methods that build upon and refine our microbe characterization protocols.

   • Lead efforts to define microbial mechanisms of action for mitigating heavy metal uptake in crops.

2. Explore microbial stress resistance pathways and/or plant-microbe interactions to design strategies that improve microbial fitness and efficacy to develop products that are robust, stable, and effective across diverse agricultural environments.

3. Partner with Formulation and Field teams to align on R&D goals and to oversee successful translation of microbes from the lab to the field.

4. Engage with legal and regulatory experts to ensure R&D efforts support intellectual property strategies and align with regulatory requirements.

5. Communicate findings and technical recommendations clearly to diverse stakeholders, including leadership and non-technical partners.

6. Stay at the forefront of microbiology and plant-microbe interaction research.

7. Mentoring of junior scientists and associates.

Who you are

Education

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Plant-Microbe Interactions, or related field.

Experience

• Proven track record in microbial strain discovery and characterization.

• Strong foundation in microbial stress tolerance pathways in response to heavy metals or other environmental contaminants.

• Demonstrated experience in developing, adapting, and optimizing scientific protocols.

• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor team members.

Skills

• Proficiency in microbial physiology or genetics.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate insights into microbial strain improvements.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

• Strong organizational skills.

What will make you stand out

• Experience with plant-associated bacteria.

• Familiarity with bioinformatics, python or R languages.

• Post-doctoral or industry experience.

Applicants must have the right to work in Ireland.