Senior Microbiologist - Fermentation

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Microbiologist with fermentation expertise to join their R&D team in Paarl. You will lead strain development, media optimization and scale-up of microbial fermentation to produce valuable compounds.

The role requires a Ph.D. and at least 5 years of hands-on industrial fermentation experience, with strong knowledge of microbial physiology, genetics and metabolic engineering.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in industrial microbial fermentation process development.
• Strong knowledge of microbial physiology, genetics, and metabolic engineering.
• Experience with various fermentation equipment and control systems.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to fermentation monitoring (e.g., HPLC, GC, plate counts).

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of microbial fermentation processes for specific product targets.
• Perform microbial strain selection, genetic modification, and characterization to enhance productivity.
• Optimize fermentation media composition and operating parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen) for maximal yield and purity.
• Oversee laboratory and pilot-scale fermentation runs, troubleshooting issues as they arise.
• Develop and implement analytical methods for monitoring fermentation performance and product quality.
• Collaborate with downstream processing teams to ensure seamless integration of fermentation with purification steps.

Skills

Microbiology & Fermentation Expertise

Education

Ph.D. in Microbiology/Biotech/biochemical engineering

Tools

Fermentation equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Microbiologist with expertise in fermentation to join their innovative R&D team in Paarl . This role is critical for developing and optimizing microbial fermentation processes for the production of valuable compounds. You will lead projects focused on strain development, media optimization, and process scale-up, ensuring efficient and high-yield fermentation. This is a fantastic opportunity for a scientist with a deep understanding of microbial physiology and fermentation technology to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in a growing industry, working within a supportive and progressive research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of microbial fermentation processes for specific product targets.
• Perform microbial strain selection, genetic modification, and characterization to enhance productivity.
• Optimize fermentation media composition and operating parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen) for maximal yield and purity.
• Oversee laboratory and pilot-scale fermentation runs, troubleshooting issues as they arise.
• Develop and implement analytical methods for monitoring fermentation performance and product quality.
• Collaborate with downstream processing teams to ensure seamless integration of fermentation with purification steps.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in industrial microbial fermentation process development.
• Strong knowledge of microbial physiology, genetics, and metabolic engineering.
• Experience with various fermentation equipment and control systems.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to fermentation monitoring (e.g., HPLC, GC, plate counts).
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in a leading research company.
• Access to advanced fermentation technology and facilities.
• Collaborative and dynamic team environment.
• Generous paid time off and retirement savings plan.