Afrikelp - Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Position: Bioassay Methods Development Scientist
Reporting To: NPD & QC Manager
Location: Matroosfoint, Western Cape
Job Description
The Bioassay Methods Development Scientist will be responsible for conducting routine laboratory procedures, designing, and executing plant and chemical bioassay experiments, including mungbean bioassay, and ensuring data accuracy for research and product validation.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute plant and chemical bioassays following standard protocols, record observations, and interpret results.
- Conduct experiments under controlled conditions to evaluate plant responses, chemical efficacy, and toxicity, validating hypotheses using refined bioassay methodologies.
- Perform routine quality control checks on bioassay materials, plant samples, and prepare chemical solutions.
- Accurately record, manage, and analyze experimental data in electronic and physical formats.
- Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment used for bioassay testing.
- Assist in procuring laboratory supplies, including reagents, growth media, and consumables.
- Follow all safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment.
- Organize and store all reagents, growth media, plant materials, and chemical substances according to safety and regulatory guidelines.
- Upload, analyze, and interpret data for reporting, optimization, and decision-making.
- Contribute to scientific writing, including experimental reports, protocols, and research publications.
- Perform any other ad hoc responsibilities to support bioassay development, validation, and research.
Minimum Requirements
- An honours degree or postgraduate diploma in Plant Sciences or a related field.
- At least 3 years of experience in a similar role, preferably in bioassay development, validation, and research.
- Familiarity with end-to-end bioassay development, including experimental design, execution, data analysis, and reporting.
- Experience with plant and/or chemical bioassays is preferred.
- Proficiency in statistical analysis and scientific writing.
- Ability to analyze and interpret experimental data effectively.
- Experience operating electrical and non-electrical laboratory equipment.
- Excellent attention to detail and meticulous work ethic.
- Must conduct themselves ethically.
Please apply by sending your CV via the LinkedIn platform. Closing date for applications: 8 May. Our recruitment process adheres to the Protection of Personal Information Act.
Due to high application volume, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear within two weeks, consider your application unsuccessful. We follow fair, non-discriminatory, and employment equity policies, giving preference to candidates from designated groups as per the Employment Equity Act. Afrikelp reserves the right to defer or close the vacancy at any time.