Research and Technical Manager Biological

Mayfly Agri; Somerset West; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Mayfly Agri is seeking a senior research and development leader based in Somerset West to drive the biology business. You will steer the R&D strategy, manage research and process-improvement projects, and identify new technologies to grow product lines such as AMF and Trichoderma.

You will protect IP, oversee lab operations, and mentor a high-performing team while ensuring regulatory compliance and successful transfer of research to production.

Qualifications

• MSc in a relevant scientific discipline; PhD advantageous
• 8+ years post-graduate experience in microbiological, mycological, biotechnology or agricultural research
• 5+ years of management experience leading scientific or technical teams
• Experience in fungal biology, microbial production, fermentation or biological product development
• Experience with process improvement, product development and tech transfer into commercial production
• Experience overseeing laboratory operations, quality control systems, regulatory compliance and product registration support
• Experience engaging with customers, research institutions and multidisciplinary teams
• Knowledge of agricultural biological products and crop production systems advantageous

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the research and innovation strategy for the biologicals business.
• Establish and manage a pipeline of research, product development and process improvement projects.
• Identify new technologies, products and opportunities to support business growth.
• Build and protect the company's intellectual property, microbial cultures, strains and technical knowledge base.
• Lead investigations and trials to improve AMF and Trichoderma production systems.
• Provide technical support and problem-solving expertise to Production teams.
• Facilitate the transfer of successful research outcomes into commercial production.
• Maintain the mother culture system and molecular identification processes.
• Lead the development of new biological products, formulations and application technologies.
• Design and oversee laboratory, greenhouse and field trials.
• Ensure accurate reporting, data management and documentation of research findings.
• Support the commercialisation of new technologies and products.
• Provide strategic leadership to Microbial Quality Control and Laboratory function.
• Ensure quality systems, laboratory governance, regulatory compliance and quality assurance activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that support product integrity and customer satisfaction.
• Provide advanced technical support to Sales, Marketing, Technical Advisors and customers.
• Develop and deliver technical training programmes.
• Support product registration activities through protocol development and data generation.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing R&D and QC team.
• Manage departmental budgets, laboratory resources and equipment.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders, customers and industry partners.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability and scientific excellence.

Skills

8+ years post-grad experience

5+ years management experience

Fungal biology

Microbial production systems

Fermentation

Biological product development

Process improvement

Technology transfer to production

Laboratory operations & QC

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Customer/scientific collaboration

Education

Master's degree in MSc in Mycology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Microbial Ecology, Biological Sciences or related

PhD in relevant biological/agricultural science

Job description

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a Master's Degree (MSc) in Mycology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Microbial Ecology, Biological Sciences or a related scientific discipline; A PhD in a relevant biological or agricultural science discipline will be advantageous
• Additional training in fermentation technology, microbial production systems, biological product development, or project management will be advantageous
• Minimum 8 years' post-graduate experience in microbiological, mycological, biotechnology, or agricultural research environments
• Minimum 5 years' management experience leading scientific, research, or technical teams
• Demonstrated experience in fungal biology, microbial production systems, fermentation, or biological product development
• Proven experience in process improvement, product development, and technology transfer into commercial production
• Experience overseeing laboratory operations, quality control systems, technical compliance, and product registration support
• Experience engaging with customers, technical advisors, research institutions, and multidisciplinary teams
• Knowledge of agricultural biological products and crop production systems will be highly advantageous

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing the research and innovation strategy for the biologicals business.
• Establishing and managing a pipeline of research, product development and process improvement projects.
• Identifying new technologies, products and opportunities to support business growth.
• Building and protecting the company's intellectual property, microbial cultures, strains and technical knowledge base.
• Leading investigations and trials to improve the efficiency, consistency, quality and scalability of AMF and Trichoderma production systems.
• Providing technical support and problem-solving expertise to Production teams.
• Facilitating the transfer of successful research outcomes into commercial production.
• Maintaining the mother culture system and molecular identification processes.
• Leading the development of new biological products, formulations and application technologies.
• Designing and overseeing laboratory, greenhouse and field trials.
• Ensuring accurate reporting, data management and documentation of research findings.
• Supporting the commercialisation of new technologies and products.
• Providing strategic leadership to the Microbial Quality Control and Laboratory function.
• Ensuring effective quality systems, laboratory governance, regulatory compliance and quality assurance activities.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives that support product integrity, production reliability and customer satisfaction.
• Providing advanced technical support to Sales, Marketing, Technical Advisors, customers and distribution partners.
• Developing and delivering technical training programmes.
• Supporting product registration activities through protocol development and technical data generation.
• Ensuring compliance with quality, safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Leading, mentoring and developing a high-performing research, technical support and quality control team.
• Managing departmental budgets, laboratory resources, infrastructure and equipment.
• Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, research institutions and industry partners.
• Fostering a culture of innovation, accountability and scientific excellence.