Senior Scientist: Biometallurgy

Mintek Pty Ltd.; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Mintek Pty Ltd. in Randburg is seeking a Senior Scientist to contribute to the Bioprocessing Group within the Biometallurgy Division. The role focuses on bioleaching of precious and base metal resources, treatment of mine effluents and solid wastes, and molecular monitoring of bioprocess consortia.

You will lead projects as principal investigator, design experiments, improve workflows, and ensure SHEQ compliance while driving IP development and close collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum MSc in biological sciences (BSc and BSc(Hons) required).
• 3–5 years vocational experience in Bioprocessing, Biometallurgy or Biotechnology.
• Substantial expertise in molecular biology methods for microbial cultivation and speciation.
• Exposure to bioprocesses, bioleaching, mine water and waste treatment.
• Ideal: experience with cloning, qPCR, ligation and DNA sequence analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects as principal investigator and oversee experimental work.
• Develop and propose research questions and design experiments.
• Establish specifications, improve workflows and implement procedures at project level.
• Collect and interpret data using standard methodologies and provide narratives.
• Manage project timelines, equipment, and compliance with SHEQ requirements.
• Contribute to IP development and prepare proposals under supervision.

Skills

Bioprocessing

Biometallurgy

Molecular biology techniques

Experiment design

Proposal writing

Education

MSc in Biological Sciences (BSc and BSc(Hons))

Tools

Cloning

qPCR

DNA sequencing

Job description

Job category: Others: RandD, Science and Scientific Research

Location: Randburg

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

Introduction

Mintek has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Scientist.The successful candidate will be based full-time in the Bioprocessing Group in the Biometallurgy Division and will be expected to provide technical scientific inputs to and perform research in the areas of:-Bioleaching of precious and base metal resources-Treatment of mine effluents and solid wastes-Molecular methods for monitoring of bioprocess consortia

• He/she is aware of trends in the relevant field and is able to formulate ideas relating to technical
  projects, frame and develop research questions, design experiments, identify problems, and
  evaluate and implement solutions.
• Play a leading role in the execution of work as a chief investigator of projects, within the
  division/group.
• Operational: Establish specifications, improve workflows, and introduce operating procedures – at
  the project level.
• Commercial
• Prepare proposals under direct/limited supervision to Client satisfaction.
• Design, operate and oversee discipline specific experimental work as required by Proposals and
  ensure that procedures are complied with, and quality control and continual improvement are
  applied.
• Collect and interpret data at a quantitative and qualitative level using discipline specific standard
  methodologies and procedures. Including the preparation of analytical and descriptive narratives.
  Ensure that the interpretation is based on sound scientific / engineering theory.
• Plan and manage projects to ensure efficient use of time, equipment and facilities, including
  coordinating with others.
• Ensure proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies, promote continual
  improvement in the workplace, adhere to and enforce all SHEQ requirements.
• Ensure that the project team understands and adheres to all SHEQ requirements
• As a Principal Investigator, responsible for the assessment and management of all risks at a
  project level.
• Take responsibility for specific equipment / facilities related to projects.
• Research and Development
• Prepare proposals under direct/limited supervision, including Open Call proposals.
• Perform routine scientific and engineering research using standard methods, procedures and equipment. Act as a principal investigator on such projects.
• Perform complex scientific and engineering research under supervision.
• Contribute to IP development.

Qualification:

• Min: MSc preceded by BSc and BSc(Hons) in biological sciences.
• At least 3 – 5 years vocational experience following first graduation, in Bioprocessing, Biometallurgy, Biotechnology.
• Substantial expertise in molecular biology methods for microbial cultivation and speciation of mixed cultures with demonstrable skills in methods development
• Exposure to, and an understanding of bioprocesses, especially bioleaching.
• Exposure to and an understanding of, mine water and waste challenges, treatment and value
  recovery.
• Ideal: experience with cloning, (q)PCR, ligation, DNA sequence analysis and other advanced
  molecular tools