Senior Microbiologist (Industrial Applications)

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health, dental, and visa

Retirement savings plan with company-m

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

State-of-the-art facilities

Career advancement

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Microbiologist to join a Queenstown-based R&D team focused on optimizing microbial strains and fermentation processes for large-scale production in an industrial setting.

The role leads projects in microbial physiology, genetic engineering, and scale-up, applying DOE and analytical methods (HPLC, GC, spectrophotometry) to monitor growth and product formation, while mentoring junior scientists and collaborating with process engineers.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant industrial R&D experience in microbiology, with a strong emphasis on fermentation technology.
• Proven experience in microbial strain improvement, genetic engineering, and metabolic pathway analysis.
• Expertise in aseptic techniques and handling of microbial cultures.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory and pilot-scale fermenters.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques for monitoring fermentation processes (e.g., HPLC, GC, spectrophotometry).
• Understanding of statistical analysis and experimental design (DOE).
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Experience with bioinformatics tools for genomic and transcriptomic analysis is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on microbial strain improvement for industrial fermentation processes.
• Optimize fermentation conditions (media composition, temperature, pH, aeration) to maximize product yield and efficiency.
• Apply molecular biology techniques for strain engineering, including genetic modification and metabolic pathway engineering.
• Develop and implement robust analytical methods for monitoring microbial growth and product formation.
• Conduct scale-up studies from laboratory to pilot and potentially industrial scale fermenters.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to microbial contamination, process performance, and product quality.
• Collaborate with process engineers and downstream processing specialists to ensure integrated process development.
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging technologies in industrial microbiology and biotechnology.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians, and provide technical guidance to the team.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and prepare reports for internal review and potential publication.

Skills

Fermentation technology

Microbiology

Genetic engineering

Metabolic pathway analysis

Aseptic techniques

DOE

Statistical analysis

Education

Ph.D. in Microbiology/ Biotechnology/ Molecular Biology

Tools

HPLC

GC

Spectrophotometry

Job description

About the Role

About the Role Our client, a leading firm in industrial biotechnology and fermentation, is looking for a Senior Microbiologist with extensive experience in industrial applications to join their research and development team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This role is vital for the optimization of microbial strains and processes for large-scale fermentation, aiming to enhance product yields and develop novel bio-based solutions. You will lead projects focused on microbial physiology, genetic engineering, and process scale-up. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of microbial metabolism and fermentation technologies, combined with practical experience in an industrial R&D setting. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to sustainable industrial practices and innovation in the growing bio-economy of Queenstown, Eastern Cape . We seek a dedicated scientist who is passionate about harnessing the power of microbes for industrial benefit.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on microbial strain improvement for industrial fermentation processes.
• Optimize fermentation conditions (media composition, temperature, pH, aeration) to maximize product yield and efficiency.
• Apply molecular biology techniques for strain engineering, including genetic modification and metabolic pathway engineering.
• Develop and implement robust analytical methods for monitoring microbial growth and product formation.
• Conduct scale-up studies from laboratory to pilot and potentially industrial scale fermenters.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to microbial contamination, process performance, and product quality.
• Collaborate with process engineers and downstream processing specialists to ensure integrated process development.
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging technologies in industrial microbiology and biotechnology.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians, and provide technical guidance to the team.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and prepare reports for internal review and potential publication.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant industrial R&D experience in microbiology, with a strong emphasis on fermentation technology.
• Proven experience in microbial strain improvement, genetic engineering, and metabolic pathway analysis.
• Expertise in aseptic techniques and handling of microbial cultures.
• Hands‑on experience with laboratory and pilot-scale fermenters.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques for monitoring fermentation processes (e.g., HPLC, GC, spectrophotometry).
• Understanding of statistical analysis and experimental design (DOE).
• Excellent problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Experience with bioinformatics tools for genomic and transcriptomic analysis is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including access to training programs and conferences.
• State‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and fermentation equipment in Queenstown, Eastern Cape .
• A dynamic and collaborative research environment.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.
• Employee assistance program for personal and professional support.