Senior Microbiologist - Environmental Monitoring

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle for site visits

Professional development support

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Microbiologist to lead the Environmental Monitoring division for an environmental consulting client in Port Elizabeth. You will manage a microbiology lab, supervise technicians, and drive advanced microbiological testing across water, soil and air contexts.

The role emphasizes leadership in a client-facing lab, overseeing method validation, data interpretation, and reporting to support public health and environmental protection in the Eastern Cape.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Environmental Science, or closely related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in applied environmental microbiology, focusing on monitoring and assessment.
• Proven experience in managing a microbiology laboratory and leading a technical team.
• Proficiency in microbiological techniques including culturing, PCR, and microscopy.
• Strong understanding of microbial ecology and public health implications of microbial contamination.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and conduct microbiological analysis of environmental samples (water, soil, air, surfaces).
• Develop and validate new microbiological testing methods for environmental concerns.
• Interpret complex microbiological data, generate reports, and provide risk mitigation recommendations.
• Manage laboratory equipment, quality control procedures, and inventory for the microbiology lab.
• Train and mentor junior microbiologists and laboratory technicians.
• Ensure compliance with relevant environmental and safety standards.

Skills

PCR techniques

Microscopy

Molecular methods

Laboratory management

Data interpretation

Environmental microbiology

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Microbiology or Environmental Science

Tools

PCR equipment

Microscopy instruments

LIMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent environmental consulting firm in Port Elizabeth , is seeking a dedicated Senior Microbiologist to lead their Environmental Monitoring division. This role is critical for assessing microbial contamination and ensuring public health and safety across various environmental contexts, including water, soil, and air. You will manage a team of technicians, oversee laboratory operations, and provide expert interpretation of microbiological data. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to apply advanced microbiological techniques in a meaningful way, contributing to environmental protection and public well-being in the Eastern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and conduct microbiological analysis of environmental samples (water, soil, air, surfaces).
• Develop and validate new microbiological testing methods tailored to specific environmental concerns.
• Interpret complex microbiological data, generate reports, and provide recommendations for risk mitigation.
• Manage laboratory equipment, quality control procedures, and inventory for the microbiology lab.
• Train and mentor junior microbiologists and laboratory technicians.
• Ensure compliance with relevant national and international environmental and safety standards.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in applied environmental microbiology, with a focus on monitoring and assessment.
• Proven experience in managing a microbiology laboratory and leading a technical team.
• Proficiency in a wide range of microbiological techniques, including culturing, molecular methods (e.g., PCR), and microscopy.
• Strong understanding of microbial ecology and public health implications of microbial contamination.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and reporting skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Company-provided vehicle for site visits if required.
• Support for professional development and continuous learning.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and impactful environmental projects in Port Elizabeth .
• Collaborative work culture focused on scientific integrity and team success.