Senior Microbiologist - Food Safety

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Modern laboratory facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Microbiologist to lead microbiology testing and method development in Durban, ensuring top food safety and quality. You will direct projects on pathogens, spoilage organisms, and QA processes within a GLP-compliant lab.

Responsibilities include managing lab operations, interpreting complex data, and reporting to management and regulators. Strong HACCP/ISO 22000 knowledge is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Food Science, or related field.
• At least 5 years hands-on experience in food microbiology, focusing on safety and QA.
• Knowledge of pathogens, spoilage organisms, and industrial hygiene.
• Proficiency in culture methods, PCR, and microbial identification.
• Familiarity with HACCP and ISO 22000.

Responsibilities

• Oversee microbiological testing of materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Develop, validate, and implement new methods for pathogen detection.
• Investigate contamination incidents and implement corrective actions.
• Manage lab operations, inventory, equipment, and GLP compliance.
• Interpret data, prepare reports, and present findings to management.
• Guide teams on microbiological risks and regulations in Durban.

Skills

Microbiology testing & analysis

GLP knowledge

Data interpretation

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Food Science, or related field

Tools

PCR

Culture methods

Molecular identification

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Senior Microbiologist to enhance their Food Safety research and quality assurance team in Durban . This position is crucial for ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality in food products through rigorous testing and analysis. You will lead projects focused on identifying, characterizing, and controlling microbial hazards in food supply chains. We are looking for a meticulous and experienced scientist who can apply advanced microbiological techniques to solve complex challenges and contribute to public health by maintaining food integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and conduct microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to detect and quantify microbial contamination.
• Develop, validate, and implement new microbiological methods and analytical techniques for pathogen detection and spoilage organism assessment.
• Investigate root causes of microbial contamination incidents and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Manage laboratory operations, including inventory control, equipment maintenance, and ensuring compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Interpret complex microbiological data, prepare detailed reports, and present findings to management and regulatory bodies.
• Provide expert guidance on microbiological risks and food safety regulations to internal teams and external stakeholders in Durban .

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Food Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in food microbiology, with a focus on food safety and quality assurance.
• In-depth knowledge of foodborne pathogens, spoilage microorganisms, and industrial hygiene principles.
• Proficiency in standard microbiological techniques, including culture methods, molecular detection (e.g., PCR), and microbial identification.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and quality management systems (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000).

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and opportunities for continued professional education.
• Access to modern laboratory facilities in a vibrant coastal city like Durban .
• A collaborative team environment focused on ensuring consumer safety and product excellence.