Senior Microbiologist - Pharmaceutical R&D

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive package

Medical & dental & life insurance

Generous leave

Professional development

State-of-the-art facilities

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a Senior Microbiologist to join a pioneering Pharmaceutical Research and Development team. You will lead key microbial projects, mentor scientists, and uphold rigorous quality in a dynamic laboratory setting.

Required: Ph.D. in Microbiology or related field, 6+ years of relevant research experience, expertise in aseptic culture, PCR/qPCR and DNA sequencing, and proven project leadership within pharma R&D. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Bacteriology, or a closely related field.
• 6+ years of relevant research experience in academia or the pharmaceutical industry.
• Extensive experience with diverse microbiological techniques including aseptic culture, identification, and characterization methods.
• Proficiency in molecular techniques such as PCR, qPCR, and basic DNA sequencing analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in managing research projects and leading small teams.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery processes within a pharmaceutical R&D context.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on bacterial pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, and host-microbe interactions.
• Develop and validate advanced microbiological assays and culture techniques.
• Conduct detailed analysis of microbial populations and their genetic material.
• Ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and relevant regulatory guidelines.
• Mentor and train junior scientists and technicians in microbiological techniques.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, publications, and patent applications.

Skills

Aseptic culture

PCR/qPCR

DNA sequencing

Project leadership

Drug discovery

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Microbiology or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Microbiologist to join their dynamic Pharmaceutical Research and Development team in Durban . This role is crucial for driving innovation in microbial research, contributing to the development of novel therapeutics and diagnostics. You will lead key research projects, mentor junior staff, and ensure the highest standards of scientific rigor and quality control within the laboratory. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to significant advancements in the field of microbiology within a supportive and growth-oriented environment, based in the beautiful coastal city of Durban .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on bacterial pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, and host-microbe interactions.
• Develop and validate advanced microbiological assays and culture techniques.
• Conduct detailed analysis of microbial populations and their genetic material.
• Ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and relevant regulatory guidelines.
• Mentor and train junior scientists and technicians in microbiological techniques.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, publications, and patent applications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Microbiology , Bacteriology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant research experience in academia or the pharmaceutical industry.
• Extensive experience with diverse microbiological techniques, including aseptic culture, identification, and characterization methods.
• Proficiency in molecular techniques such as PCR, qPCR, and basic DNA sequencing analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in managing research projects and leading small teams.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery processes within a pharmaceutical R&D context.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and annual bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and life insurance coverage.
• Generous leave allowance and public holiday benefits.
• Professional development opportunities, including access to specialized training.
• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities in Durban .
• A collaborative team culture focused on scientific achievement.