Senior Microbiologist - Environmental Studies

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Microbiologist to lead innovative environmental microbiology research in our Centurion laboratory. The role requires a PhD and 7+ years of hands-on experience, with responsibilities spanning experimental design, advanced molecular analyses, and team leadership.

You will supervise staff, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and contribute to sustainable environmental monitoring solutions in a cutting-edge facility.

Qualifications

• PhD in Microbiology or Environmental Science required.
• Minimum 7 years of hands-on environmental microbiology research.
• Strong knowledge of microbial physiology, ecology and genetics.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics for microbial community analysis.
• Experience in project management and leading research teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex microbiological experiments to assess microbial populations in soil, water, and air.
• Develop and validate diagnostic and cultivation techniques for environmental microorganisms.
• Conduct molecular analyses including DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing to characterize communities.
• Interpret results, identify trends, and generate reports for stakeholders.
• Supervise and mentor junior staff, fostering a collaborative lab environment.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols and regulatory standards.

Skills

Molecular biology

Bioinformatics tools

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Microbiology or Environmental Science

Tools

PCR

DNA extraction

NGS

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a highly experienced Senior Microbiologist to lead critical research efforts in Environmental Studies based in our state-of-the-art laboratory in Centurion. This is an on-site position where you will be at the forefront of investigating microbial ecosystems, developing novel methods for environmental monitoring, and contributing to sustainable solutions. The role demands a rigorous scientific approach, excellent leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of microbial diversity, function, and interactions within various environmental matrices. You will be a key player in a team dedicated to advancing environmental science through innovative microbiological research.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex microbiological experiments to assess microbial populations in soil, water, and air samples.
• Develop and validate new diagnostic and cultivation techniques for identifying and quantifying environmental microorganisms.
• Conduct advanced molecular analyses, including DNA extraction, PCR, and next-generation sequencing, to characterize microbial communities.
• Interpret experimental results, identify trends, and generate comprehensive reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Supervise and mentor junior research staff, fostering a collaborative and productive laboratory environment.
• Ensure compliance with all laboratory safety protocols and regulatory standards.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Environmental Science, or a related field with a strong focus on microbiology.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in environmental microbiology research.
• Extensive knowledge of microbial physiology, ecology, and genetics.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics tools for microbial community analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in project management and leading research teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reporting and collaboration.

Benefits

• A competitive salary with comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on impactful environmental research projects.
• Access to advanced laboratory equipment and resources.
• Professional development opportunities and continuous learning support.
• Located in a prime research hub in Centurion.
• A strong emphasis on teamwork and scientific integrity.