Senior Microbiologist (Industrial Fermentation)

Placements24; Paarl; Híbrido; ZAR 1.100.000 - 1.600.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Conference attendance

Modern fermentation facilities

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a Senior Microbiologist with a focus on Industrial Fermentation to lead R&D on scalable fermentation processes for high-value biochemicals. You will drive optimization, troubleshoot production-scale challenges, and guide cross-functional teams in a fast-paced bioprocessing environment.

The role requires a PhD or MSc in a related field with 5+ years of hands-on industrial fermentation experience, and expertise in analytical techniques such as HPLC,

Formación

• MSc or PhD in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in industrial microbiology and fermentation.
• Proven track record in optimizing fermentation parameters for various microbes.
• Experience with lab to pilot-scale fermentation and control strategies.

Responsabilidades

• Design, optimize, and scale up microbial fermentation processes for target compounds.
• Develop analytical methods to monitor fermentation performance and product quality.
• Troubleshoot technical issues during fermentation runs at pilot and production scales.
• Investigate novel strains and pathways to improve yields and product profiles.
• Collaborate with engineers, molecular biologists, and downstream processing teams.
• Analyze fermentation data, present findings, and support management decisions.

Conocimientos

Industrial fermentation

Microbiology

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Educación

MSc/PhD in Microbiology or related field

Herramientas

HPLC

GC

PCR

ELISA

Microscopy

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a leader in industrial biotechnology, is looking for a Senior Microbiologist specializing in Industrial Fermentation to join their innovative team in Paarl, Western Cape. This role is crucial for optimizing and scaling up microbial fermentation processes for the production of high-value biochemicals and bioproducts. You will lead research and development efforts, troubleshoot complex operational challenges, and contribute to the design of new fermentation strategies. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in microbial physiology, fermentation technology, process development, and analytical techniques. This position is integral to our client's mission of sustainable biomanufacturing. The role is based in Paarl, Western Cape, and utilizes a hybrid work model, allowing for focused lab work and collaborative remote sessions. We seek a scientifically rigorous and practical individual passionate about harnessing microbial power for industrial applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and scale up microbial fermentation processes for the production of target compounds.
• Develop and implement robust analytical methods for monitoring fermentation performance and product quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues encountered during fermentation runs at pilot and production scales.
• Conduct research into novel microbial strains and metabolic pathways for enhanced production yields and product profiles.
• Collaborate with biochemical engineers, molecular biologists, and downstream processing teams to ensure seamless process integration.
• Analyze fermentation data, interpret results, and present findings and recommendations to management and stakeholders.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and contribute to technical reports and regulatory documentation.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in industrial microbiology, fermentation technology, and biotechnology.
• Ensure adherence to all safety, health, and environmental regulations within the laboratory and pilot plant facilities.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, or a related field with a strong emphasis on industrial fermentation.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in industrial microbiology and fermentation process development.
• Proven track record in optimizing fermentation parameters (e.g., media composition, temperature, pH, aeration) for various microbial systems (bacteria, yeast, fungi).
• Experience with small-scale (lab) to pilot-scale fermentation systems and associated control strategies.
• Proficiency in common microbiological and analytical techniques (e.g., microscopy, plating, PCR, HPLC, GC, ELISA).
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology, genetics, and metabolic engineering.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and presentations.
• Experience with bioinformatics tools for analyzing microbial genomic or metabolic data is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, including attendance at key industry conferences. Employees benefit from access to modern fermentation facilities and the chance to contribute to impactful projects in the field of industrial biotechnology in Paarl, Western Cape. The company values innovation and sustainability, providing a dynamic and supportive work environment. Join a team dedicated to advancing the frontiers of biomanufacturing.