Senior Research Scientist - Wine Biotechnology

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health & retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Annual leave

Access to lab facilities in Paarl

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl is seeking an experienced Senior Research Scientist in Wine Biotechnology to advance wine quality through cutting-edge fermentation research. You will lead yeast and lactic acid bacteria strain development, fermentation optimization, and sensory analysis in a premier wine region.

The role offers access to advanced lab facilities and close collaboration with winemakers and oenologists to translate discoveries into commercial production.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Oenology, or a related field with a strong focus on fermentation science.
• Minimum of 6 years of research experience in fermentation technology, preferably in food/beverage wine.
• Demonstrated expertise in yeast and lactic acid bacteria physiology and genetics.
• Experience with molecular techniques for strain improvement and characterization.
• Strong understanding of wine chemistry and sensory evaluation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on microbial fermentation processes (yeast and bacteria) for winemaking.
• Develop and characterize novel microbial strains to enhance wine quality, flavor profiles, and stability.
• Optimize fermentation parameters and develop innovative biotechnological solutions for wine production challenges.
• Perform sensory analysis and correlate biochemical markers with sensory attributes of wine.
• Collaborate with winemaking teams to implement research findings in commercial production.
• Author technical reports, present research findings, and contribute to scientific publications.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Biotechnology

Ph.D. in Microbiology

Ph.D. in Oenology

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Research Scientist specializing in Wine Biotechnology to join their dedicated team in Paarl . This role is central to advancing wine quality and production through cutting-edge biotechnological research. You will lead initiatives focused on yeast and bacterial strain development, fermentation optimization, and sensory analysis, working closely with winemakers and oenologists. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the world's premier wine-producing regions, driving innovation in viticulture and oenology from the heart of the Cape Winelands in Paarl .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on microbial fermentation processes (yeast and bacteria) for winemaking.
• Develop and characterize novel microbial strains to enhance wine quality, flavor profiles, and stability.
• Optimize fermentation parameters and develop innovative biotechnological solutions for wine production challenges.
• Perform sensory analysis and correlate biochemical markers with sensory attributes of wine.
• Collaborate with winemaking teams to implement research findings in commercial production.
• Author technical reports, present research findings, and contribute to scientific publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biotechnology , Microbiology, Oenology, or a related field with a strong focus on fermentation science.
• Minimum of 6 years of research experience in fermentation technology, preferably with applications in the food or beverage industry, specifically wine.
• Demonstrated expertise in yeast and lactic acid bacteria physiology and genetics.
• Experience with molecular techniques for strain improvement and characterization.
• Strong understanding of wine chemistry and sensory evaluation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and performance.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, including participation in international viticulture and oenology congresses.
• Generous allocation of annual leave.
• Access to advanced laboratory facilities and pilot wineries in Paarl .
• A passionate and collaborative work environment within a renowned wine-producing region.