Microbiologist - Research and Development

SUMMARY:
A leading Company specialising in the manufacturing and distribution of pesticides, fertilizers, and other agricultural chemicals requires the above to provide technical support and research for new product development and new applications of existing products to ensure a constant stream of innovation to the market.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum requirements for the role:

• A BSc (Hons) or similar degree in Microbiology or Biotechnology or related qualification is essential for this role. (Must have Microbiology to 3rd year with post grad studies) 
• Previous experience (2-3yrs Min) having worked in a micro laboratory working in a research environment working in the agricultural industry is preferred for the role. 
• Knowledge of microbial nitrogen fixation and on rhizobial inoculant production and formulation is preferred.
• Knowledge on GLP, GMP and GDP is preferred but not essential.
• The successful candidate must have the ability to conduct relevant analytical procedures in accordance with recognised methods.
• The successful candidate must have strong analytical ability and ability to interpret results.
• The successful candidate must be organised and results driven as well as have good communication and teamwork skills.
• Previous experience conducting research into inoculants, etc. is preferred.
• Previous experience working on plant analysis is preferred.

• Implementing ongoing improvements of fermentation processes, growth medium and product formulation within the microbiology laboratory.
• Testing compatibility of produced inoculants with other agriculture products.
• Determining the survival rate of inoculants on seed and improving on survival.
• Ensuring that all laboratory equipment is calibrated and that laboratories follow GLP guidelines.
• Ensuring that the fungal culture collection is maintained.
• Staying up to date with new developments in the biopesticide field.
• Training of Agents with respect to current and new biological products as well as fungal factory staff on general microbiology and on procedures to avoid contamination.
• Liaising with Farmers and Agents to determine needs and markets for biological products.
• Optimising process of wet harvesting and drying in fluidised bed dryers.
• Building up extensive scientific knowledge regarding all aspect of  specific Bacterial species and its use as a bio-insecticide.
• Building up extensive scientific knowledge regarding Trichoderma and its effect on plant growth and pathogen control.
• Discovering and isolating new trichoderma isolates from various soil and plant samples and screening for pathogen suppression and plant growth promoting capabilities.
• Building up extensive scientific knowledge regarding all aspect of bacillus and its use as a foliar bio-fungicide.
• Isolating new bacillus isolates and screening for pathogen suppression.
• Building up extensive scientific knowledge regarding Lilacinum and its effect on plant growth and nematode control.
• Discovering and isolating new Lilacinum isolates from soil and nematode samples and screening for nematode suppression and plant growth promoting capabilities.
• Building up extensive scientific knowledge regarding other bacterial and fungal strains that can be used as bio-nematicides.
• Performing laboratory, greenhouse and field efficacy testing of current and isolating strains as well as comparative analysis with current products on the market.
• Improving current fermentation technologies e.g. reactor box design, growth medium, inoculum strength and composition, growth requirements, improvement of spore viability etc.

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