Senior Microbial R&D & Production Tech Lead

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

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.