Senior Microbiologist - Industrial Fermentation

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 163,000 - 249,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Microbiologist to lead microbial strain development and optimize fermentation processes for high-value bio-products. The role focuses on advancing microbial science, process optimization, and innovation in industrial biotechnology.

You will mentor technicians, collaborate with engineers on scale-up, and contribute to scientific publications in a dynamic research environment. Based in Queenstown, this position offers meaningful impact and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• PhD in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years hands-on experience in industrial microbiology with a focus on fermentation.
• Expertise in microbial strain improvement, media optimization, and fermentation process development.
• Solid understanding of microbial physiology, genetics, and metabolic engineering.
• Experience with aseptic techniques, microbial cultivation, and enumeration.
• Proficiency in relevant analytical and molecular biology techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives to identify, characterize, and improve microbial strains for industrial fermentation.
• Develop and optimize fermentation media and conditions to maximize yield and productivity.
• Implement robust microbiological techniques for strain maintenance and contamination control.
• Conduct experiments on microbial physiology, metabolism, and genetics related to product formation.
• Collaborate with process engineers on scale-up from lab to pilot and production scales.
• Perform data analysis, interpret results, and troubleshoot fermentation challenges.
• Adhere to strict quality control and safety standards in the lab.
• Stay current with literature and advancements in industrial microbiology.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to publications and patents.

Skills

Fermentation

Media optimization

Aseptic techniques

Molecular biology techniques

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Microbiology/ Biotechnology/ Molecular Biology

Tools

Analytical techniques

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in scientific research and development within the industrial biotechnology sector, is actively seeking a Senior Microbiologist to enhance their fermentation capabilities. This key role involves leading research into microbial strain development, optimizing fermentation processes, and ensuring the efficient production of high-value bio-products. You will be responsible for advancing our understanding of microbial systems and driving innovation in industrial applications. Based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful scientific projects within a company committed to sustainable and innovative solutions. We are looking for a passionate expert to elevate our microbial research and development efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives focused on identifying, characterizing, and improving microbial strains for industrial fermentation processes.
• Develop and optimize fermentation media and conditions to maximize product yield, titer, and productivity.
• Implement robust microbiological techniques for strain maintenance, culture development, and contamination control.
• Conduct experiments to investigate microbial physiology, metabolism, and genetic pathways relevant to product formation.
• Collaborate with process engineers on scale-up studies from laboratory to pilot and production scales.
• Perform data analysis, interpret experimental results, and troubleshoot fermentation challenges.
• Ensure adherence to strict quality control and safety standards in the laboratory.
• Stay current with scientific literature and technological advancements in industrial microbiology and biotechnology.
• Mentor junior microbiologists and laboratory technicians, providing technical guidance and training.
• Contribute to scientific publications and patent applications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands‑on experience in industrial microbiology, with a strong focus on fermentation.
• Proven expertise in microbial strain improvement, media optimization, and fermentation process development.
• Solid understanding of microbial physiology, genetics, and metabolic engineering.
• Experience with aseptic techniques, microbial cultivation, and enumeration.
• Proficiency in relevant analytical and molecular biology techniques.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience with pilot‑scale or industrial fermentation is highly desirable.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• performance-based bonuses
• health insurance
• retirement plan
• paid time off

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off. We provide excellent opportunities for professional development, including funding for conferences and advanced training. The Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA location provides a unique opportunity to work in a developing region committed to industrial innovation. Our client fosters a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement, offering a rewarding career path in industrial research and development.