Principal Microbiologist - Fermentation

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 2,400,000 - 3,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Competitive salary

Educational support

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Microbiologist to guide fermentation science in a fully remote R&D division. You will lead microbial strain development, optimize large-scale fermentation, and translate lab findings into industrial production.

The role requires a Ph.D. with 10+ years in industrial microbiology, hands-on experience in strain selection, genetic engineering, and fermentation kinetics. Remote collaboration and senior-level leadership are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience leading remote teams in industrial settings is preferred.
• Strong expertise in microbial strain development and fermentation processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of microbial strains for enhanced production through fermentation.
• Design and analyze large-scale fermentation studies and identify key process parameters.
• Develop and implement microbial physiology and metabolic engineering strategies.
• Provide guidance on upstream process development and scale-up challenges.
• Mentor and supervise a remote team of microbiologists and fermentation scientists.

Skills

Microbiology

Fermentation

Remote leadership

Mentoring

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Microbiology

Ph.D. in Biotechnology

Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Microbiologist with extensive experience in fermentation science to join their fully remote, leading-edge research and development division. This senior role will guide strategic initiatives in microbial strain development and optimize large-scale fermentation processes for various biotechnological applications. You will be responsible for driving innovation, mentoring junior scientists, and ensuring the successful translation of laboratory findings into industrial-scale production. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of industrial biotechnology through remote collaboration and expert leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of microbial strains for enhanced production of target compounds through fermentation.
• Design, execute, and analyze large-scale fermentation studies, identifying key process parameters.
• Develop and implement advanced microbial physiology and metabolic engineering strategies.
• Provide expert guidance on upstream process development and scale-up challenges.
• Mentor and supervise a team of microbiologists and fermentation scientists remotely.
• Collaborate with downstream processing and engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of processes.
• Author and review technical reports, patents, and scientific publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in industrial microbiology and large-scale fermentation.
• Demonstrated expertise in microbial strain selection, genetic engineering, and metabolic pathway analysis.
• Strong understanding of fermentation kinetics, mass transfer, and bioreactor operations.
• Proven ability to lead and manage research projects and teams in a remote setting.
• Excellent scientific communication and presentation skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Fully remote work environment, offering exceptional flexibility.
• Opportunities for significant scientific and professional impact.
• Generous annual leave and educational support for continued learning.
• Access to a collaborative network of industry-leading experts and cutting-edge research initiatives.