Senior Microbiologist - Fermentation & Bioprocess Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Microbiologist for our client in East London, SA. Lead fermentation optimization projects, oversee scale-up from lab to pilot, and develop analytical methods to monitor bioproduction processes.

You will work with microbial physiology, genetics, and advanced bioprocess technologies in a dedicated R&D facility focused on sustainable biotechnology and industrial chemicals.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of industrial experience in microbial physiology, genetics, and fermentation technology.
• Proven track record in optimizing fermentation processes for industrial applications.
• Hands-on experience with bioreactor operation and scale-up principles.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques for microbial strain improvement.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with analytical techniques (HPLC, GC, spectrophotometry).
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a systematic approach to optimization.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present findings clearly.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Experience with enzymes, organic acids, or biofuels is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects for strain improvement and fermentation optimization.
• Design experiments to evaluate microbial performance under various fermentation conditions.
• Develop and implement analytical methods to monitor fermentation processes and product yield.
• Characterize microbial physiology and genetic pathways relevant to industrial bioproduction.
• Scale-up fermentation processes from bench-scale to pilot-plant operations.
• Collaborate with process engineers, chemists, and downstream processing teams for integrated development.
• Troubleshoot fermentation-related issues and implement corrective actions.
• Stay abreast of literature and advancements in industrial microbiology and bioprocessing.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians; ensure safety and GMP-like practices.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and training within the team.

Skills

Fermentation optimization

Bioprocess scale-up

Molecular biology

Analytical methods

Data analysis

Documentation

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Microbiology/Biotechnology/Biochemical Engineering

Tools

Bioreactor operation

HPLC

GC

Spectrophotometry

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Microbiologist for our client in East London, SA. Lead fermentation optimization projects, oversee scale-up from lab to pilot, and develop analytical methods to monitor bioproduction processes.

You will work with microbial physiology, genetics, and advanced bioprocess technologies in a dedicated R&D facility focused on sustainable biotechnology and industrial chemicals.