Senior Bioprocess Scientist - Bioleaching & Biometallurgy

Mintek; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Mintek is seeking a Senior bioprocessing researcher to join the Bioprocessing Group in the Biometallurgy Division. The role focuses on bioleaching of metals, treatment of mine effluents, and molecular monitoring of bioprocess consortia.

The successful candidate will lead project work, develop experimental plans, and ensure quality control while advancing research in bioprocessing and related fields. A strong molecular biology background and collaboration across teams are required.

Qualifications

• MSc or higher in biological sciences with BSc and BSc(Hons).
• 3–5 years vocational experience in Bioprocessing, Biometallurgy or Biotechnology.
• Substantial expertise in molecular biology methods for microbial cultivation and mixed cultures.
• Exposure to bioprocesses, especially bioleaching and mine water & waste treatment.
• Experience with cloning, (q)PCR, ligation, DNA sequence analysis and other advanced molecular tools.

Responsibilities

• Formulate ideas and research questions; design experiments; evaluate problems and solutions.
• Lead project execution as chief investigator within the division.
• Establish specifications, improve workflows, and introduce operating procedures at project level.
• Prepare proposals under direct supervision to client satisfaction.
• Design, operate and oversee discipline-specific experimental work and ensure QC and continual improvement.
• Plan and manage projects to ensure efficient use of time, equipment and facilities; manage risks at project level.

Skills

Molecular biology

Experimental design

Project leadership

Data interpretation

Technical writing

Education

MSc

BSc

BSc(Hons)

Tools

qPCR

DNA sequencing

Cloning

Job description

Mintek is seeking a Senior bioprocessing researcher to join the Bioprocessing Group in the Biometallurgy Division. The role focuses on bioleaching of metals, treatment of mine effluents, and molecular monitoring of bioprocess consortia.

The successful candidate will lead project work, develop experimental plans, and ensure quality control while advancing research in bioprocessing and related fields. A strong molecular biology background and collaboration across teams are required.