Senior Microbiologist: Lead Food Safety Lab & Compliance

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health benefits

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

Modern instrumentation

Upington work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Microbiologist to lead the food safety laboratory in Upington, Northern Cape. The role focuses on overseeing all microbiological testing, developing protocols, and guiding a team to ensure product safety from raw materials to finished goods.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Microbiology or Food Science, with 6+ years in food microbiology and at least 2 years in a supervisory role, plus expertise in PCR/ELISA and accreditation processes.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Microbiology, Food Science, or related field with a specialization in food microbiology.
• 6+ years of experience in food microbiology, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or senior role.
• Experience with culture-based methods, PCR, ELISA and pathogen identification.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP/ISO 22000 and accreditation processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication and data analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all microbiological testing activities within the food safety laboratory.
• Develop, validate, and implement microbiological testing methods for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop preventative strategies for microbial contamination.
• Interpret and report on test results, providing actionable insights to management and production teams.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and internal quality standards.
• Manage laboratory resources, equipment, supplies, and budgets.
• Train, supervise, and mentor junior microbiologists and laboratory technicians.
• Investigate product holds, recalls, and customer complaints related to microbiological issues.
• Stay current with advancements in food microbiology and regulatory changes.
• Collaborate with R&D, quality assurance, and production departments.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Project management

Education

Master's or PhD in Microbiology/Food Science

Tools

PCR

ELISA

Microbiological testing equipment

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Microbiologist to lead the food safety laboratory in Upington, Northern Cape. The role focuses on overseeing all microbiological testing, developing protocols, and guiding a team to ensure product safety from raw materials to finished goods.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Microbiology or Food Science, with 6+ years in food microbiology and at least 2 years in a supervisory role, plus expertise in PCR/ELISA and accreditation processes.