Senior Microbiologist - Food Safety

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Professional development

Dynamic work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Microbiologist to lead food safety and quality assurance at a state-of-the-art facility in Stellenbosch. You will oversee microbiological testing, risk assessment, and the implementation of robust food safety programs to ensure product integrity and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or Master’s in Microbiology or related field, at least six years in applied food microbiology, and hands-on experience with foodborne pathogens and HACCP/GMP

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in Microbiology, Food Science, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in applied food microbiology with QA focus.
• Experience detecting foodborne pathogens (Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli).
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and food safety systems.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and implement microbiological testing methods for materials, finished products, and environmental monitoring.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify microbiological hazards and implement control strategies.
• Oversee the operation of the microbiology laboratory, ensuring ISO 17025 compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Investigate deviations, non-conformances, and CAPAs; address customer complaints.
• Train and mentor junior microbiologists and lab technicians on best practices.
• Stay current with scientific literature, emerging pathogens, and regulatory changes.

Skills

Food safety

Microbiology

Regulatory compliance

Laboratory management

Education

PhD or Master’s in Microbiology or related

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Senior Microbiologist to lead their food safety and quality assurance initiatives at their state-of-the-art facility in Stellenbosch . This crucial role involves overseeing all aspects of microbiological testing, risk assessment, and the implementation of robust food safety programs. You will be instrumental in ensuring the highest standards of product safety and regulatory compliance within the food industry. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of foodborne pathogens, microbial analysis techniques, and regulatory frameworks, working within a team dedicated to maintaining consumer trust and product integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and implement microbiological testing methods for raw materials, finished products, and environmental monitoring.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify potential microbiological hazards and implement control strategies.
• Oversee the operation of the microbiology laboratory, ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 standards and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Investigate deviations, non-conformances, and customer complaints related to microbiological issues, implementing corrective and preventative actions (CAPAs).
• Train and mentor junior microbiologists and laboratory technicians on best practices and laboratory procedures.
• Stay current with scientific literature, emerging pathogens, and regulatory changes affecting food safety and microbiology.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, or a related biological science field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in applied food microbiology, with a strong focus on food safety and quality assurance.
• Expertise in detecting and identifying foodborne pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli) using cultural, molecular, and serological methods.
• In-depth knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and other food safety management systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with experience managing laboratory operations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement fund contributions and life insurance.
• Generous paid time off and opportunities for professional development.
• A dynamic work environment in the renowned scientific and agricultural region of Stellenbosch .