Lead Scientist, Biometallurgy & Bioleaching

Mintek Pty Ltd.; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Mintek Pty Ltd. in Randburg is seeking a Senior Scientist to contribute to the Bioprocessing Group within the Biometallurgy Division. The role focuses on bioleaching of precious and base metal resources, treatment of mine effluents and solid wastes, and molecular monitoring of bioprocess consortia.

You will lead projects as principal investigator, design experiments, improve workflows, and ensure SHEQ compliance while driving IP development and close collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum MSc in biological sciences (BSc and BSc(Hons) required).
• 3–5 years vocational experience in Bioprocessing, Biometallurgy or Biotechnology.
• Substantial expertise in molecular biology methods for microbial cultivation and speciation.
• Exposure to bioprocesses, bioleaching, mine water and waste treatment.
• Ideal: experience with cloning, qPCR, ligation and DNA sequence analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects as principal investigator and oversee experimental work.
• Develop and propose research questions and design experiments.
• Establish specifications, improve workflows and implement procedures at project level.
• Collect and interpret data using standard methodologies and provide narratives.
• Manage project timelines, equipment, and compliance with SHEQ requirements.
• Contribute to IP development and prepare proposals under supervision.

Skills

Bioprocessing

Biometallurgy

Molecular biology techniques

Experiment design

Proposal writing

Education

MSc in Biological Sciences (BSc and BSc(Hons))

Tools

Cloning

qPCR

DNA sequencing

Job description

Mintek Pty Ltd. in Randburg is seeking a Senior Scientist to contribute to the Bioprocessing Group within the Biometallurgy Division. The role focuses on bioleaching of precious and base metal resources, treatment of mine effluents and solid wastes, and molecular monitoring of bioprocess consortia.

You will lead projects as principal investigator, design experiments, improve workflows, and ensure SHEQ compliance while driving IP development and close collaboration with cross-functional teams.