Senior Microbiologist: Fermentation R&D Lead (Hybrid)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Performance bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Microbiologist with Fermentation Science expertise to lead fermentation projects in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The role combines in-lab development with remote analysis, focusing on strain development, media optimization, and scale-up for high-value bioproducts.

The successful candidate will guide cross-functional teams, utilize bioreactor systems from bench to pilot scale, and contribute to publications and technical reports.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Fermentation Science, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant industry experience in microbial fermentation.
• Proven expertise in microbial physiology, genetics, and metabolic engineering.
• Hands-on experience with bioreactor systems and fermentation scale-up principles.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with relevant analytical instrumentation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to work in a hybrid team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, execution, and analysis of fermentation experiments for strain optimization and process development.
• Develop and implement robust protocols for microbial cultivation, media formulation and bioreactor operation (bench and pilot scale).
• Utilize molecular biology techniques for strain improvement, such as genetic modification and directed evolution.
• Characterize fermentation products using analytical techniques (HPLC, GC-MS, enzymatic assays).
• Troubleshoot and optimize fermentation processes to improve yield, titer, and productivity.
• Collaborate with downstream processing teams to integrate fermentation output.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and present findings to teams and management.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and contribute to technical reports and publications.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians in the laboratory.

Skills

Fermentation science

Molecular biology

Analytical skills

Statistical analysis

Bioinformatics tools

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Microbiology or Fermentation Science

Tools

HPLC

GC-MS

Enzymatic assays

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Microbiologist with Fermentation Science expertise to lead fermentation projects in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The role combines in-lab development with remote analysis, focusing on strain development, media optimization, and scale-up for high-value bioproducts.

The successful candidate will guide cross-functional teams, utilize bioreactor systems from bench to pilot scale, and contribute to publications and technical reports.