Senior Microbiologist: Industrial Fermentation & Strain Innovation

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

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.