Senior Microbiologist — Lead Microbial R&D & QC

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and incentives

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with employer匹

Generous vacation and holidays

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Microbiologist to lead microbial research and quality control across diverse product lines in Stellenbosch. You will oversee studies on contamination, validate testing methods, and ensure product safety while guiding a team of junior staff.

The ideal candidate has extensive knowledge of microbial physiology, advanced detection techniques, and GMP/ISO regulatory familiarity to uphold safety and excellence in a research-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biology, or a related life science field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in applied microbiology, preferably in a research or industrial setting.
• Proven expertise in microbiological techniques, including aseptic techniques, microbial identification, and growth promotion testing.
• Experience with molecular microbiology techniques (e.g., PCR, qPCR) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of regulatory guidelines (e.g., GMP, ISO) relevant to microbiological testing.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate microbiological testing methods for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Conduct routine and non-routine microbiological analyses, including enumeration, identification, and sterility testing.
• Investigate microbial contamination events, identify root causes, and implement CAPAs.
• Manage and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and training to junior microbiologists and technicians.
• Interpret microbiological data and prepare comprehensive reports for internal stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Skills

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Master's or PhD in Microbiology

Tools

PCR

qPCR

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Microbiologist to lead microbial research and quality control across diverse product lines in Stellenbosch. You will oversee studies on contamination, validate testing methods, and ensure product safety while guiding a team of junior staff.

The ideal candidate has extensive knowledge of microbial physiology, advanced detection techniques, and GMP/ISO regulatory familiarity to uphold safety and excellence in a research-driven environment.