Senior Microbiologist - Fermentation

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Microbiologist with a specialization in industrial fermentation to lead development, optimization, and scale-up of microbial processes at our Vereeniging, Gauteng location. The role blends lab work with process oversight across upstream and downstream stages.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in industrial fermentation, strong knowledge of microbial physiology and genetics, and hands-on experience with lab- and pilot-scale fermenters.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in industrial microbial fermentation.
• Strong knowledge of microbial physiology, genetics, and metabolic engineering.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory-scale and pilot-scale fermenters.
• Proficiency in aseptic techniques and sterile operations.
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation of fermentation runs.
• Familiarity with GMP principles is an advantage.
• Excellent problem-solving and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work in a hybrid capacity, balancing on-site lab work in Vereeniging with potential off-site responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct fermentation experiments to optimize microbial growth and product yield.
• Develop and implement protocols for upstream process development, including strain selection and media optimization.
• Monitor and control fermentation parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, etc.) to ensure optimal conditions.
• Perform downstream processing steps, including cell harvesting, lysis, and initial purification.
• Characterize microbial products using various analytical and microbiological techniques.
• Troubleshoot fermentation issues and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with downstream processing and analytical teams to ensure seamless integration of the bioprocess.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments and results, adhering to quality and regulatory standards.
• Stay abreast of advancements in microbial fermentation technology and industrial biotechnology.
• Assist in technology transfer activities to pilot and manufacturing scales.

Skills

Microbial physiology

Genetics

Metabolic engineering

Aseptic techniques

Data analysis

Pilot-scale fermentation

Laboratory skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading biotechnology firm in **Vereeniging, Gauteng**, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Microbiologist with a specialization in industrial fermentation processes. This role is crucial for the development, optimization, and scale-up of microbial fermentation for the production of various biotechnological products. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of microbial physiology, genetics, and fermentation technology, coupled with strong practical experience in aseptic techniques and bioprocess control. You will play a key role in advancing our client's fermentation capabilities from their **Vereeniging** site. This position involves a mix of laboratory work and process oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct fermentation experiments to optimize microbial growth and product yield.
• Develop and implement protocols for upstream process development, including strain selection and media optimization.
• Monitor and control fermentation parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, etc.) to ensure optimal conditions.
• Perform downstream processing steps, including cell harvesting, lysis, and initial purification.
• Characterize microbial products using various analytical and microbiological techniques.
• Troubleshoot fermentation issues and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with downstream processing and analytical teams to ensure seamless integration of the bioprocess.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments and results, adhering to quality and regulatory standards.
• Stay abreast of advancements in microbial fermentation technology and industrial biotechnology.
• Assist in technology transfer activities to pilot and manufacturing scales.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in industrial microbial fermentation.
• Strong knowledge of microbial physiology, genetics, and metabolic engineering.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory-scale and pilot-scale fermenters.
• Proficiency in aseptic techniques and sterile operations.
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation of fermentation runs.
• Familiarity with GMP principles is an advantage.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work in a hybrid capacity, balancing on-site lab work in **Vereeniging** with potential off-site responsibilities.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health benefits, and retirement fund contributions.
• Employees benefit from opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the company.
• The role is based in **Vereeniging, Gauteng**, offering a stimulating work environment with access to modern fermentation equipment.
• This hybrid role provides a balance between on-site laboratory work and flexible working arrangements.