Senior Research Scientist - Biotechnology & Fermentation

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Research Scientist in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA, to lead biotechnology and fermentation initiatives within a cutting-edge R&D environment. You will steer a team of scientists and engineers, design experiments, and push bioprocess innovations for bio-based products.

The role requires a Ph.D. with 7+ years in fermentation science and bioprocess development, plus strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• 7+ years post-doctoral or industry experience in fermentation science and bioprocess development.
• Proven track record in developing and optimizing industrial fermentation processes.
• Expertise in microbial physiology, metabolic engineering, and genetic manipulation.
• Hands-on experience with bench-scale bioreactors and pilot-scale fermenters.
• Strong analytical skills for process monitoring and control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management.
• Multidisciplinary teamwork experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D activities in microbial strain development and fermentation optimization.
• Design and conduct experiments to improve yield, productivity, and titer.
• Develop and implement novel bioprocesses for specialty chemicals, enzymes, or therapeutics.
• Utilize molecular biology tools for strain engineering and optimization.
• Oversee scale-up from lab to pilot plant.
• Analyze fermentation data, troubleshoot issues, and implement solutions.
• Collaborate with downstream processing for product recovery and purification.
• Stay current with advances in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and industrial fermentation.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians in a high-performance environment.
• Author technical reports, publications, and patent applications.

Skills

Fermentation

Bioprocess development

Microbial physiology

Metabolic engineering

Genetic manipulation

Bench-scale bioreactors

Pilot-scale fermenters

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Teamwork

Education

Ph.D. in Biotechnology/Microbiology/Chemical Engineering/Molecular Biology

Tools

Fermentation equipment

Molecular biology tools

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leader in scientific research and development, is actively recruiting a Senior Research Scientist with expertise in Biotechnology and Fermentation. This pivotal role will drive innovation in the development of novel bioprocesses and the optimization of fermentation technologies for the production of valuable compounds. You will lead a team of scientists and engineers, conceptualize and execute research projects, and contribute significantly to the company's pipeline of bio-based products. The position is located in the vibrant academic and research hub of **Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA**, offering a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge biotechnology and industrial application. This is an exciting chance to shape the future of industrial biotechnology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development activities in microbial strain development and fermentation process optimization.
• Design and conduct experiments to improve yield, productivity, and titer of fermentation processes.
• Develop and implement novel bioprocesses for the production of specialty chemicals, enzymes, or therapeutics.
• Utilize molecular biology tools for strain engineering and optimization.
• Oversee scale-up activities from laboratory bench to pilot plant scale.
• Analyze and interpret complex fermentation data, troubleshoot process issues, and implement solutions.
• Collaborate with downstream processing teams to ensure efficient product recovery and purification.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and industrial fermentation.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and technicians, fostering a high-performance research environment.
• Author technical reports, research publications, and patent applications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in fermentation science and bioprocess development.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and optimizing industrial fermentation processes.
• Expertise in microbial physiology, metabolic engineering, and genetic manipulation techniques.
• Hands-on experience with various fermentation equipment (e.g., bench-scale bioreactors, pilot-scale fermenters).
• Strong analytical skills for process monitoring and control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience with downstream processing and purification techniques is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off.
• We support continuous professional development through training programs, workshops, and conference attendance.
• The **Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA** location provides access to a rich scientific ecosystem and a desirable lifestyle.
• This role is on a hybrid work arrangement, fostering a balance between focused research and collaborative team activities, leveraging the state-of-the-art facilities in **Stellenbosch**.