Senior Microbiologist - Fermentation Sciences

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

About the Role

Our client, a leader in industrial biotechnology, is looking for a Senior Microbiologist with specialized expertise in Fermentation Sciences to join their innovative research and development team based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is integral to the development and optimization of microbial fermentation processes for the production of high-value compounds. The successful candidate will lead projects focused on strain development, media optimization, and scale-up of fermentation processes. You will work in a state-of-the-art laboratory environment, collaborating with a team of scientists and engineers to enhance the efficiency and yield of our bioproduction platforms. This hybrid role offers a balance between collaborative in-lab work and focused remote analysis, providing flexibility for our dedicated team members. We are seeking an experienced professional with a strong track record in applied microbiology and industrial fermentation, eager to contribute to sustainable and innovative biotechnological solutions in Stellenbosch, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, execution, and analysis of fermentation experiments for strain optimization and process development.
• Develop and implement robust protocols for microbial cultivation, including 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 various analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS, enzymatic assays).
• Troubleshoot and optimize fermentation processes to improve yield, titer, and productivity.
• Collaborate with downstream processing teams to ensure seamless integration of fermentation output.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and present findings to project teams and management.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and contribute to technical reports and publications.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians in the laboratory.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Fermentation Science, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience in microbial fermentation.
• Proven expertise in microbial physiology, genetics, and metabolic engineering.
• Hands-on experience with various bioreactor systems and fermentation scale-up principles.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with relevant analytical instrumentation.
• Excellent understanding of experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a hybrid team.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools for analyzing microbial genomics is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and performance bonuses.
• Employees benefit from access to advanced fermentation facilities in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , opportunities for professional development and conference attendance, and a stimulating, collaborative work environment.
• The hybrid work model allows for flexibility while maintaining essential in-person collaboration for research success.
• Join us in advancing sustainable biotechnology solutions.