Senior Research Scientist - Applied Microbiology

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); On-site; USD 54,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development

Modern laboratory facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, seeks a Senior Research Scientist in Applied Microbiology to lead projects developing microbial solutions for crops. You will design experiments, analyze microbial communities, and drive innovations in bio-products for soil health and disease control.

The role requires a Ph.D. and 5+ years in agricultural research, with strong molecular biology skills and experience in field trials.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology or related field required (Agricultural Science, Soil Science acceptable).
• Minimum 5 years post-doctoral or industry experience in agricultural research.
• Strong expertise in microbial ecology and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with laboratory-scale and field-scale agricultural trials.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects in applied microbiology for agricultural applications.
• Investigate microbial consortia and their impact on plant growth and stress tolerance.
• Develop methods for culturing, identifying, and characterizing beneficial microorganisms.
• Apply molecular techniques for microbial community analysis (DNA/RNA, qPCR, sequencing).
• Design and conduct field trials to evaluate microbial bio-products.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and prepare reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with agronomists, plant breeders, and scientists.

Skills

Microbial ecology

Molecular biology techniques

Experimental design

Data analysis

Communication & collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Microbiology or related field

Tools

qPCR

DNA/RNA extraction

Sequencing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic agricultural technology company, is seeking a Senior Research Scientist with expertise in Applied Microbiology. This role is based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape , a region known for its agricultural significance. The successful candidate will lead research efforts focused on developing and optimizing microbial solutions for crop enhancement, disease control, and soil health improvement. You will design and execute experiments, analyze microbial communities, and contribute to the development of innovative bio-products. This position requires a strong understanding of microbial ecology, molecular biology techniques, and experimental design within an agricultural context. We are looking for a motivated scientist who is passionate about leveraging microorganisms to improve agricultural sustainability and productivity in the Queenstown area.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects in applied microbiology for agricultural applications.
• Investigate microbial consortia and their impact on plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance.
• Develop and optimize methods for culturing, identifying, and characterizing beneficial microorganisms.
• Apply molecular techniques (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, sequencing) for microbial community analysis.
• Design and conduct field trials to evaluate the efficacy of microbial bio-products.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare comprehensive research reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with agronomists, plant breeders, and other scientists.
• Stay current with advancements in agricultural microbiology, soil science, and biotechnology.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols and good experimental practices.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Agricultural Science, Soil Science, or a related field with a strong focus on applied microbiology.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in agricultural research.
• Proven expertise in microbial ecology, molecular biology techniques, and experimental design.
• Experience with laboratory-scale and field-scale agricultural trials.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team.
• Passion for agricultural innovation and sustainable practices.
• Must be able to work on-site in Queenstown, Eastern Cape .

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.
• Access to modern laboratory facilities and experimental farms.
• Generous paid time off.
• Contribution to cutting-edge agricultural research.
• A collaborative and growth-oriented work environment.