Senior Microbiologist (Environmental)

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Microbiologist for a prominent environmental consulting firm based in East London, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on analyzing microbial communities in environmental matrices, assessing risks, and supporting remediation and monitoring strategies.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in environmental microbiology, molecular techniques, and data analysis, with 4+ years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in microbiology or related field is required; Ph.D. preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in environmental microbiology with emphasis on analytical techniques.
• Experience with PCR, qPCR, and DNA extraction; NGS data analysis (16S rRNA) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of microbial ecology, sampling techniques, and bioremediation principles.
• Proven data analysis and statistical interpretation skills; excellent technical writing and communication.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological analyses of environmental samples (water, soil, air).
• Apply molecular techniques (PCR, qPCR, NGS) for microbial identification and characterization.
• Interpret data to assess environmental risks and indicators.
• Develop and validate sampling and analytical methods for environmental microbiology.
• Contribute to design/implementation of monitoring programs and remediation strategies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and present findings to clients/regulators.
• Collaborate with environmental engineers, geologists, and other specialists.
• Stay updated on advances in microbiology and analytical technologies.
• Maintain QA/QC procedures and accurate laboratory records.

Skills

Environmental microbiology

Molecular techniques

Data analysis

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Master's degree in Microbiology, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field

Ph.D. preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent environmental consulting firm, is seeking a dedicated Senior Microbiologist to join their scientific team. This role will focus on analyzing microbial communities in various environmental matrices, assessing microbial risks, and developing strategies for environmental remediation and monitoring. You will play a crucial role in evaluating the impact of microorganisms on environmental health and developing sustainable solutions. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in environmental microbiology, molecular techniques, and data analysis. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful projects that protect and improve environmental quality. The position is based in East London, Eastern Cape, offering a hybrid work arrangement that combines laboratory analysis with field assessments and remote data reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological analyses of environmental samples, including water, soil, and air, to assess microbial contamination and diversity.
• Apply molecular techniques such as PCR, qPCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) for microbial identification and characterization.
• Interpret microbiological and molecular data to assess environmental risks and identify microbial indicators.
• Develop and validate sampling and analytical methods for environmental microbiology studies.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of environmental monitoring programs and remediation strategies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presenting findings and recommendations to clients and regulatory agencies.
• Collaborate with environmental engineers, geologists, and other specialists on multidisciplinary projects.
• Stay abreast of advancements in environmental microbiology, molecular biology, and relevant analytical technologies.
• Ensure adherence to quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Microbiology, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field.
• A Ph.D. is preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in environmental microbiology, with a focus on analytical techniques.
• Proven experience with classical microbiological techniques (culturing, enumeration) and molecular methods (PCR, qPCR, DNA extraction).
• Experience with NGS data analysis for microbial community profiling (e.g., 16S rRNA sequencing) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of microbial ecology, environmental sampling techniques, and bioremediation principles.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical interpretation.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for field assessments and client meetings.
• Must be able to work a hybrid schedule in East London, Eastern Cape.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and a retirement savings plan.

Employees benefit from opportunities for professional development, including access to specialized training, workshops, and relevant industry conferences.

The company fosters a collaborative work environment with opportunities for advancement.

The hybrid model provides a balance between hands-on laboratory work and remote analysis and reporting.

Join an environmental consulting firm dedicated to making a positive impact, based in East London, Eastern Cape.