Lead Microbiologist

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Paid annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, seeks a highly experienced Lead Microbiologist to manage laboratory operations, ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance through meticulous microbiological testing and analysis.

You will lead a team of microbiologists and technicians, develop testing strategies, validate methods for raw materials, finished products and environmental samples, and ensure ISO/HACCP standards are upheld.

Qualifications

• MSc/PhD in Microbiology or related field.
• Strong knowledge of food safety microbiology and regulatory standards.
• Experience supervising a team in a microbiology lab.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily laboratory operations and ensure timely delivery of results.
• Develop, validate, and implement microbiological testing methods for materials, finished products and environmental samples.
• Lead and mentor a team of microbiologists and technicians; review data and reports.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, HACCP and internal QA systems.

Skills

Leadership

Microbiology

Regulatory knowledge

PCR methods

Education

M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Microbiology

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Showing 1 Lead Microbiologist jobs in Vereeniging

Lead Microbiologist

1930, Gauteng Placements24

Posted today

Job Description

full-time

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the food safety and quality assurance sector, based in Vereeniging , Gauteng, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Microbiologist to manage their laboratory operations. This role is essential for ensuring product safety and compliance through meticulous microbiological testing and analysis. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of microbial contaminants, detection methods, and regulatory standards in the food industry. You will lead a team of microbiologists, oversee quality control protocols, and contribute to the development of innovative testing strategies. This is a significant opportunity to take on leadership responsibilities and contribute to public health within a reputable organization in Vereeniging .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily laboratory operations, ensuring efficient workflow and timely delivery of results.
• Develop, validate, and implement microbiological testing methods for raw materials, finished products, and environmental samples.
• Perform complex microbiological analyses, including identification of pathogens and spoilage organisms.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety regulations, standards (e.g., ISO, HACCP), and internal quality systems.
• Manage and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring calibration and proper functioning.
• Analyze and interpret microbiological data, preparing detailed reports and recommendations.
• Lead and mentor a team of microbiologists and laboratory technicians, providing training and performance feedback.
• Investigate out-of-specification (OOS) results and implement corrective actions.
• Contribute to risk assessments and the development of food safety plans.
• Stay current with advancements in microbiology and food safety science.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Food Science, or a related biological science.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in a food industry microbiology laboratory, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Strong knowledge of foodborne pathogens, spoilage organisms, and microbial ecology.
• Proficiency in various microbiological techniques, including plating, enrichment, PCR, and other molecular methods.
• Familiarity with food safety management systems and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent data analysis, interpretation, and reporting skills.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication abilities.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues.
• Experience with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is beneficial.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a provident fund, and paid annual leave. Professional development opportunities, such as attending industry conferences and specialized training, are supported. This position in Vereeniging provides a challenging and rewarding career within a company committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality. Become a key leader in ensuring the integrity of food products.