Research and Technical Manager: Biologicals

AECI Limited; Somerset West; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,700,000; Full time

Job summary

AECI Limited in South Africa seeks an experienced Research and Technical Manager – Biologicals to lead R&D, technical support, and QC for the BioCult business. You will shape strategy, drive product development, and ensure regulatory compliance across production and field trials.

The role requires a MSc/PhD with 8+ years in microbial biology, fermentation, and tech transfer, and a proven leadership track record.

Qualifications

• MSc in a biological or related field; PhD advantageous.
• Additional training in fermentation technology or microbial production is a plus.
• Minimum 8 years' post-graduate microbiological/biotech research experience.
• Minimum 5 years' management of scientific, research or technical teams.
• Experience transferring tech to commercial production and product development.
• Experience with quality control systems and regulatory support.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the research and innovation strategy for Biologicals.
• Lead pipeline of research, product development, and process improvement projects.
• Identify new technologies to support business growth and IP development.
• Protect and grow intellectual property including cultures, strains, and data.
• Guide AMF/Trichoderma production improvements and transfer to production.
• Oversee quality control, laboratory governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide technical training and support to sales, marketing, and customers.
• Manage budgets, resources, and stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Scientific and Analytical Problem Solv

Innovation and Research Leadership

Project and Resource Management

Leadership and People Development

Stakeholder Engagement and Influence

Commercial Acumen

Communication and Presentation Skills

Results Orientation

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Professional Integrity and Accounting

Education

Master's Degree (MSc) in Mycology

Master's Degree (MSc) in Microbiology

Master's Degree (MSc) in Biotechnology

Master's Degree (MSc) in Microbial Ecology

Master's Degree (MSc) in Biological Sciences

Master's Degree (MSc) or related discipline

PhD in relevant biological or agricultural science

Tools

Fermentation Technology

Microbial Production Systems

Biological Product Development

Project Management Tools

Job description

At AECI Plant Health, we are committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices through scientific innovation and cutting-edge biological technologies. We are seeking an experienced and visionary Research and Technical Manager – Biologicals to lead our research, innovation, technical support, and quality control functions within the BioCult business. This leadership role offers an exciting opportunity to drive scientific excellence, develop innovative biological solutions, expand the company's intellectual property portfolio, and support the commercial growth of our Biologicals business. Working closely with Production, Regulatory, Sales, and Marketing teams, you will play a pivotal role in translating research into commercially successful products and solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Research and Innovation

• 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.

Production Support and Continuous Improvement

• 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.

Product Development

• 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.

Quality Control and Laboratory Management

• 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.

Technical and Regulatory Support

• 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

Leadership and Management

• 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.

Minimum Requirements

Master's Degree (MSc) in:

• Mycology
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Microbial Ecology
• Biological Sciences
• Or a related scientific discipline.

• 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.
• Demonstrated experience in fungal biology, microbial production systems, fermentation, or biological product development.
• Minimum 5 years' management experience leading scientific, research, or technical teams.
• 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

Competencies Required

• Strategic Thinking
• Scientific and Analytical Problem Solving
• Innovation and Research Leadership
• Project and Resource Management
• Leadership and People Development
• Stakeholder Engagement and Influence
• Commercial Acumen
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Results Orientation
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Professional Integrity and Accountability

At AECI, we believe in innovation that creates a sustainable future. This role provides the opportunity to lead groundbreaking biological research, influence product development strategies, and contribute directly to agricultural advancement through science and technology.

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