Senior Microbiologist - Research & Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Health insurance

PTO & retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Microbiologist to join its Research & Development team in Mahikeng. You will lead microbiology projects, perform advanced experiments, and contribute to the development of new products and processes.

Ideal candidates hold a Ph.D. or Master's in Microbiology and have 5+ years in industrial or R&D settings, with strong analytical skills and teamwork in a lab environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on experience in microbiology research, preferably in an industrial or R&D setting.
• Proficiency in a wide range of microbiological techniques, including culturing, microscopy, and molecular methods.
• Experience with microbial genetics, microbial physiology, or environmental microbiology.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to study microbial growth, metabolism, and interactions.
• Utilize advanced techniques for microbial identification, characterization, and cultivation.
• Develop and optimize microbial-based processes for various applications.
• Analyze and interpret microbiological data, including molecular data (e.g., sequencing, PCR).
• Collaborate with other scientists and engineers to integrate microbiological insights into broader R&D efforts.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, prepare scientific reports, and present findings.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Microbiologist to join their dedicated Research & Development team based in Mahikeng. This role is vital for advancing our understanding of microbial communities and developing innovative solutions in areas such as biotechnology and environmental science. You will lead research projects, conduct complex microbiological experiments, and contribute to the development of new products and processes. The position requires a deep knowledge of microbiology, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively within a collaborative, laboratory-based team environment, contributing to scientific advancements and practical applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to study microbial growth, metabolism, and interactions.
• Utilize advanced techniques for microbial identification, characterization, and cultivation.
• Develop and optimize microbial-based processes for various applications.
• Analyze and interpret microbiological data, including molecular data (e.g., sequencing, PCR).
• Collaborate with other scientists and engineers to integrate microbiological insights into broader research and development efforts.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, prepare scientific reports, and present findings.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in microbiology research, preferably in an industrial or R&D setting.
• Proficiency in a wide range of microbiological techniques, including culturing, microscopy, and molecular methods.
• Experience with microbial genetics, microbial physiology, or environmental microbiology.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities for a laboratory-based role in Mahikeng.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and retirement plan options.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• Access to modern laboratory facilities and a supportive research environment.