Senior Microbiologist — Environmental Safety & Quality Lead

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development

Stable role

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Microbiologist to oversee environmental safety and quality control at our Soweto facility. The role focuses on rigorous microbial testing and analysis to ensure product safety and regulatory compliance.

You will lead a team, develop testing protocols, and investigate contamination issues. The candidate should have extensive knowledge of environmental microbiology and a strong commitment to safety and quality.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Microbiology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a microbiology laboratory, with a focus on environmental or industrial applications.
• Proficiency in microbiological techniques, including culturing, microscopy, and molecular methods (e.g., PCR).
• Strong understanding of microbial ecology, food safety, or environmental monitoring principles.
• Experience with quality management systems and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage microbial testing programs for raw materials, finished products, and environmental samples.
• Conduct analyses to identify and quantify microorganisms, including pathogenic and spoilage organisms.
• Investigate and resolve microbial contamination incidents, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices.
• Train and supervise junior microbiology technicians and laboratory staff.
• Maintain accurate records, prepare reports, and contribute to quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

MSc/PhD in Microbiology or Environmental Science

Tools

Culturing

Microscopy

PCR

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Microbiologist to oversee environmental safety and quality control at our Soweto facility. The role focuses on rigorous microbial testing and analysis to ensure product safety and regulatory compliance.

You will lead a team, develop testing protocols, and investigate contamination issues. The candidate should have extensive knowledge of environmental microbiology and a strong commitment to safety and quality.