Senior Microbiologist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development

Top facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, South Africa, is looking for a Senior Microbiologist to lead R&D efforts in our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. The role focuses on exploring microbial communities for industrial applications, from bioremediation to novel bio-based products.

You will design and supervise complex microbiological studies, develop innovative cultivation and analytical methods, and contribute to strategic directions in microbial research.

Qualifications

• PhD required in microbiology or related field.
• 7+ years hands-on industrial microbiology research experience.
• Expertise in microbial genetics and culture methods.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects identifying and optimizing industrial microorganisms.
• Develop and implement advanced microbiological techniques including molecular methods.
• Design experiments to assess microbial performance under environmental conditions.
• Mentor scientists and ensure safety and quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

Experimental design

Data analysis

Molecular biology

Team mentoring

Education

PhD in Microbiology

Tools

Molecular biology techniques

Genetic analysis methods

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a highly experienced Senior Microbiologist to lead critical research and development efforts within their advanced laboratory facilities in Welkom . This role will focus on exploring the potential of microbial communities in various industrial applications, from bioremediation to the development of novel bio-based products. You will be responsible for designing and overseeing complex microbiological studies, developing innovative cultivation and analytical techniques, and contributing to the strategic direction of microbial research. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of microbial diversity, genetics, and physiology, coupled with a passion for translating scientific discovery into tangible solutions for industrial challenges in the Free State region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on identifying, characterizing, and optimizing industrially relevant microorganisms.
• Develop and implement advanced microbiological techniques, including molecular methods for strain identification and analysis.
• Design and conduct experiments to assess microbial performance under various environmental conditions.
• Analyze and interpret complex microbiological data, providing insights and recommendations for product development.
• Supervise and mentor junior scientists and technicians, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.

Requirements

• PhD in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Biotechnology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on research experience in industrial microbiology or a related discipline.
• Strong expertise in microbial genetics, molecular biology techniques, and culture-dependent/independent methods.
• Proven experience in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific report writing.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, including workshops and conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and cutting-edge equipment.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment fostering scientific innovation in Welkom .