Senior Microbiologist

SGS; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in testing and certification is seeking a Microbiology Technician for their Agri Food Laboratory in Cape Town. The role involves managing personnel, performing microbiological tests, and ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in microbiology, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in laboratory management. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to high-quality food safety testing in a reputable organization.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years experience in high throughput food safety testing.
• Technical signatory with SANAS for a minimum of 5 years.
• Proven ability to develop and validate methods.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and train laboratory staff.
• Perform routine analysis on samples according to standard methods.
• Ensure adherence to quality and safety requirements.

Skills

Communication

Technical Record Keeping

Attention to Detail

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Honours degree in Food Science or Microbiology

BTech in Biotechnology

Job description

Company Description

SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance, and sustainability.

Job Description

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Microbiology Technician is responsible for day to day functions in the Microbiology section of Agri Food Laboratory, as well as sample analysis and reporting according to established analytical methods and procedures The Senior Microbiologist is responsible for the day to day functions of the Microbiology section of the SGS laboratory and for personnel management, implementation and maintenance of the quality system and control over sample analysis and reporting according to established analytical methods and procedures in an ISO 17025 accredited food safety testing laboratory as a technical signatory.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Personnel management – Microbiologist, Lab Technicians / Assistants, Interns

• Supervise staff according to company procedures and policies.
• Training in order to develop and optimize staff skills.
• Continuous measurement of skills and identify shortcomings of staff.
• Problem solving, advice and guidance on technical matters.

Performing tests

• Accurate registration, storage, retention and disposal of samples according to prescribed procedures.
• Preparation/supervising preparation of samples and media.
• Performing routine analysis on samples according to standard methods and procedures
• Ensure the execution and finalization of method validation plans and associated work as they arise.
• Operate instruments according to specified procedures
• Maintain records indicating maintenance, working conditions and quality control measures
• Ensure good laboratory practices are followed
• Adhere to competency training program.
• Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.

Planning of tests and evaluation of results

• Plan activities according to the sample volume and quantities received.
• Ensure customer service requirements for testing/analysis are met.
• Monitor and control stock levels of required chemicals and consumables.
• Adhere to sample turn-around timeframes.
• Evaluate results against quality control specifications

Reporting opinions and interpretations

• Documenting of all relevant sample information
• Calculation and record keeping of all analytical results.
• Report all results on SLIMS and / or designated worksheets.
• Issue reports and add comments or suggestions when required.

Method modification and development and validation of new methods

• Perform analysis and report results required for method and instrument validation
• Report shortcomings and deviations and perform communicated actions to implement and improve new and existing methods and procedures.

Quality & Health & Safety System

• Adhere to all quality and safety requirements of the SGS management system
• Always wear appropriate protective clothing
• Adhere to all relevant safety procedures and protocols
• Awareness of the dangers of chemicals used through the study of MSDS
• Keep workplace and equipment neat and tidy
• Do not mess on any apparatus or instrument and if it should happen, clean up spills immediately before continuing.
• Perform Health and Safety inspections in designated areas.
• Report deviations and communicate instructions to improve and maintain the quality system.
• Record keeping of all control and reference sample results.

Managerial duties

• Support operations and contribute to positive staff morale

Qualifications

Education

• Honours degree (Food Science / Microbiology majors) / BTech in Biotechnology from a recognized tertiary education facility in the field of microbiology.
• A minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in a similar laboratory – high throughput routinised food safety testing in microbiology using ISO 17025 accredited methods is non-negotiable

Experience

• Experience in the application of ISO 17025.
• Understanding the operations, maintenance and operational requirements of instrumentation used in the laboratory.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Must be a technical signatory with SANAS for a minimum of 5 years
• SACNASP registration an advantage
• Proven experiment design skills

Education

• Honours degree (Food Science / Microbiology majors) / BTech in Biotechnology from a recognized tertiary education facility in the field of microbiology.
• A minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in a similar laboratory – high throughput routinised food safety testing in microbiology using ISO 17025 accredited methods is non-negotiable

Competencies

• Knowledge of laboratory functions and applications
• Maintenance of accreditation status
• Maintenance of service quality to customers
• Maintenance of turnaround time and reporting time set by management
• Well-developed interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Sound technical record keeping techniques
• Ability to work under pressure
• Propensity to pay attention to detail
• Proficiency and substantial experience in modern Microbiology techniques
• Proven ability to develop and validate methods
• High level of computer skills and familiarity with instrument control/data acquisition software.