Senior Microbiologist

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a leading food safety company in Benoni, Gauteng to recruit a Senior Microbiologist for the laboratory. The role oversees routine and advanced microbiological testing, mentors junior staff, and ensures GLP and ISO 17025 compliance.

The candidate should hold an MSc or PhD in Microbiology (or related field), with 5+ years in a food microbiology lab, and strong skills in culture-based, rapid detection, and molecular methods including PCR.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Microbiology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or a related life science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a food microbiology laboratory setting, preferably in a senior or supervisory capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in culture-based methods, rapid detection methods, and molecular techniques (e.g., PCR).
• Thorough understanding of foodborne pathogens, spoilage organisms, and relevant control strategies.
• Knowledge of HACCP, ISO 22000 and regulatory requirements is essential.
• Proven ability to develop and validate new analytical methods.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of microbiological tests on food samples, including pathogen detection and enumeration of indicator organisms.
• Develop, validate, and implement new microbiological methods and testing protocols.
• Oversee maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues encountered during testing and analysis.
• Ensure GLP and ISO 17025 compliance.
• Interpret test results and prepare detailed reports for clients and stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance and training to junior staff.
• Stay informed about emerging microbiological risks and regulatory changes.
• Participate in audits to ensure laboratory compliance.

Skills

Microbiology expertise

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

MSc or PhD in Microbiology or related field

Tools

PCR techniques

Laboratory equipment calibration

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the food safety and quality assurance sector, is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Senior Microbiologist to join their expanding laboratory operations in **Benoni, Gauteng**. This role is critical for ensuring the microbiological safety and quality of food products through rigorous testing and analysis. The Senior Microbiologist will be responsible for overseeing routine and advanced microbiological testing, developing new analytical methods, troubleshooting laboratory issues, and ensuring compliance with relevant food safety regulations and industry standards. The position requires extensive hands-on laboratory experience and a deep understanding of microbial detection and enumeration techniques. This role is based at our **Benoni, Gauteng** facility, offering a significant opportunity to contribute to public health by safeguarding the food supply chain. The successful candidate will lead by example, mentoring junior staff and maintaining the highest standards of laboratory practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of microbiological tests on food samples, including pathogen detection (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria) and enumeration of indicator organisms.
• Develop, validate, and implement new microbiological methods and testing protocols according to industry best practices.
• Oversee the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment, including incubators, autoclaves, and microscopes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues encountered during testing and analysis.
• Ensure strict adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and relevant quality management systems (e.g., ISO 17025).
• Interpret test results, prepare detailed reports, and communicate findings to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance and training to junior microbiologists and laboratory technicians.
• Stay informed about emerging microbiological risks, regulatory changes, and advancements in food safety science.
• Participate in internal and external audits to ensure compliance within the **Benoni, Gauteng** laboratory.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Microbiology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or a related life science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a food microbiology laboratory setting, preferably in a senior or supervisory capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in a wide range of microbiological techniques, including culture-based methods, rapid detection methods, and molecular techniques (e.g., PCR).
• Thorough understanding of foodborne pathogens, spoilage organisms, and relevant control strategies.
• Knowledge of food safety management systems (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000) and regulatory requirements is essential.
• Proven ability to develop and validate new analytical methods.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Must be available to work full-time at our **Benoni, Gauteng** location.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, a retirement savings plan, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development, continuing education, and career advancement are readily available.
• Employees contribute to critical food safety initiatives and work in a supportive team environment.
• The **Benoni, Gauteng** laboratory is equipped with modern instrumentation.