R&D Microbiologist

Prostaff; Mbombela; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural company seeks a microbiologist to manage all microbiological functions for local and international applications. Responsibilities include conducting research, screening microorganisms, optimizing growth mediums, and ensuring quality control of inoculants. The ideal candidate holds a BSc in microbiology or biotechnology, possesses laboratory experience, and shows strong analytical skills. Salary package is negotiable based on experience.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a microbiology laboratory preferred.
• Experience in R&D microbiology investigating microorganisms.
• Ability to perform serial dilutions and operate a microscope.

Responsibilities

• Handle microbiological functions for local and international market applications.
• Research mode of action, production, and formulation of microbial inoculants.
• Isolate and screen microorganisms for phosphate solubilization.

Skills

Strong analytical ability

Good communication

Organised and results-driven

Education

BSc hons degree in microbiology or biotechnology

Job description

A leading agricultural company specialising in the manufacturing and distribution of pesticides, fertilizers, and related agricultural products requires the above to handle all microbiological functions on new and existing applications for the local and international market.

Minimum Requirements

• A BSc hons degree in microbiology or biotechnology or related is essential for this role.
• Previous experience having worked in a microbiology laboratory within any industry is preferred for this role.
• Previous experience having worked in research and development (R&D) microbiology focused on investigating microorganisms and their applications in various fields.
• The successful candidate must know how to do serial dilutions and be able to operate a microscope.
• Strong analytical ability and ability to interpret results.
• The person must be organised and results driven.
• The person must have good communication and be able to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Handling all microbiological functions on new and existing applications for the local and international market.
• Researching into mode of action, production, and formulation of microbial phosphate solubilizing inoculants.
• Isolating and screening various microorganisms for their potential to solubilize phosphates.
• Handling growth medium optimisation for selected phosphate solubilising isolates.
• Improving shelf life of phosphate solubilising inoculants.
• Screening formulated inoculants to determine reduction in viability over time.
• Producing inoculants through liquid fermentation (lab‑scale).
• Assisting in upscaling fermentation technologies to commercial volumes.
• Conducting ongoing improvements of fermentation processes, growth medium and product formulation.
• Conducting quality control of incoming and on‑site produced phosphate solubilising inoculants according to approved procedures per product specification.
• Testing efficacy of inoculants through pot trials and assisting with trial protocol setup for field trials as well as testing compatibility of produced inoculants with other agri‑products.
• Determining survival rate of inoculants on seed and improving on survival.
• Maintaining GLP, GMP and GDP in the microbiology laboratory and production facility.
• Interpreting results and generating accurate, analytical and microbiological reports according to specified methods and procedures.
• Keeping up to date with scientific and research developments into phosphate solubilising inoculants.
• Preparing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintaining and preserving all cultures according to standard operating procedures.

Salary package, including benefits, is highly negotiable depending on experience gained.