S&I Scientist

Biovac; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

Biovac in Cape Town, a leading sterile vaccine manufacturer, seeks a dynamic S&I Scientist to join the Antigen Production Team. You will work on product development, optimization and technology transfer for bacterial and mRNA projects, and execute experiments both at bench and pilot scale.

The role emphasizes aseptic technique, biosafety Level 2 operations, data integrity, and collaboration across disciplines to support safe, compliant bioprocess activities and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Biotechnology, Bioprocessing or relevant natural science field or equivalent.
• Prior Learning or practical experience may be recognised.

Responsibilities

• Expose to product development, optimisation and technology transfer activities for bacterial and mRNA projects.
• Understand and contribute to experimental plans and operational approaches.
• Execute experiments at bench and pilot scale with accurate, reproducible data.
• Familiarise with upstream and downstream processing principles.
• Comply with quality structures and biosafety regulations.
• Contribute to a high-performance, innovative team culture.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Biosafety Level 2

Experiment execution

Education

Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Biotechnology, Bioprocessing or relevant nature science field

Job description

BIOVAC is one of the leading sterile vaccine manufacturers rooted in Africa, with our core purpose being to "protect life". We are looking to hire a dynamic, passionate, confident, proactive and meticulous S& I Scientist to join a goal-oriented team.

Job Purpose:

Responsible for exposure to and execution of the following activity with the Antigen production team (APT) including but not limited to:

• Exposure to product development, optimisation and technology transfer activities relating to bacterial and mRNA projects.
• Understanding and contributing towards experimental plans and operational approaches
• Executing experiments and operations at both bench and pilot scale, ensuring process data is well defined, accurate and reproducible.
• Familiarize with downstream and upstream processing principles and techniques.
• Familiarization with quality structures within S& I to aid better understanding of GDocP quality regulations.
• Compliance to company safety and biosafety regulations and policies.
• Contribute to a high performance and innovative team culture.
• Supporting multi-disciplinary synergies across teams.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required:

Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Biotechnology, Bioprocessing or relevant nature science field or equivalent.

Preferred:

Recognition is given to Prior Learning and practical experience.

Experience & industry knowledge:

• Experience in aseptic techniques.
• Ability to work under biosafety 2 conditions.

Applications deadline: 18 October 2026

We believe in the magic of diversity within teams and to achieve this, we do apply Employment Equity principles during our selection process where this is necessary to achieve such diversity.