Agricultural / Plant Microbiologist

SUMMARY:
A well-established company specialising in the manufacturing and supplying of various world-class agricultural products to the farming and related industries requires the above to conduct research on Microbial inoculants, determine the shelf life and survival rate thereof, whilst assisting with the continuous improvement of various processes within the microbiology laboratory.

POSITION INFO:

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Tertiary Qualification with a minimum Degree in Microbiology or Biotechnology or Plant Pathology is essential.
• Previous experience having worked in a microbiology or biotechnology laboratory is essential.
• Ability to conduct relevant analytical procedures in accordance with recognised methods are essential.
• Previous experience having conducted research is essential.
• Knowledge on microbial nitrogen fixation is preferred but not essential.
• Strong interest in applied research would be preferred.
• Knowledge of Microbial inoculant production and formulation is preferred but not essential.
• Must be analytical, able to interpret results and pay attention to detail.
• Knowledge of GLP, GMP and GDP is preferred but not essential.
• Must have good verbal and written communication and teamwork skills.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Researching the mode of action, production and formulation of rhizobial inoculants.
• Assisting with the production of rhizobial inoculants through liquid fermentation.
• Overseeing ongoing improvements of fermentation processes, growth medium and product formulation.
• Conducting quality assurance of production processes and facility.
• Conducting quality control of incoming and on-site produced inoculants according to approved procedures per product specification.
• Testing the efficacy of inoculants through pot trials.
• Determining the shelf life of produced inoculants and improving shelf life.
• Testing compatibility of produced inoculants with other agriculture products.
• Determining survival rate of inoculants on seeds and improving survival rate.
• Maintaining GLP, GMP and GDP in the microbiology laboratory and production facility.
• Interpreting results and generating accurate, analytical and microbiological reports according to specified methods and procedures.
• Keeping up-to-date with scientific and research developments into inoculants.
• Preparing and updating SOPs.
• Assisting with the execution of routine activities within the microbiology laboratory.

Salary package, including benefits, are highly negotiable depending on experience gained.

NB! This job is now closed. You can apply for other jobs by uploading your CV.