Senior Research Scientist at The Stellenbosch Nanofiber Company

Job Description

PLEASE NOTE: Only South African citizens will be considered for this position

SNC is searching for a highly driven person with an MSc or PhD with majors in chemistry and biological sciences. We want to add a senior scientist to our team that has experience specifically with analytical techniques and methods used in biological sciences such as spectroscopic techniques, chromatographic methods, bioassays, protein analyses, biomolecule immobilization etc. The ideal candidate should have 2-5 years experience in an R&D and/or production environment leading teams or having first line management experience. Experience in an ISO, GMP or equivalent environment will be beneficial. Applicants must be South African Citizens.

As a Senior Scientist you will be primarily involved in determining product feasibility, process/method development and the support of R&D scientists in project teams for the development of nanofiber materials, while working within the organisation’s quality management system. You will report to the R&D manager and form part of a dynamic team, following procedures which require good record keeping and attention to detail. The position will be based in SNC’s nanofiber laboratories in Montague Gardens (Cape Town).

Responsibilities

• Ensuring the completion of tasks and quality management documentation throughout the R&D and production processes including but not limited to risk assessments, R&D brief, comprehensive project planning, technical support, project execution and process/method development, training, R&D review meetings, report writing (if required)/presentations, verification of products, R&D protocols, project wrap-up meetings and updating log sheets.
• Responsible for project management ensuring due date performance using project management tools and software. Recording reasons for delays.
• Responsible for recording and documenting detailed observations during production work in batch records, notebooks, reports and work order documents following good documentation practices.
• Contribute ideas and lead projects and/or teams aimed at improving and optimizing existing standard laboratory techniques, processes, protocols and equipment.
• Drive productivity improvements and efficiencies in the laboratory environment to deliver cost savings in the manufacturing department.
• Responsible for updating product protocols and process changes.
• Responsible for maintaining, tracking and ordering supplies to ensure reagents are available to complete projects with a rapid turnaround. Interact with supply chain members to ensure quality of raw materials received.
• Responsible for ERP data capture and reports and display strong interpersonal skills in working with team members.
• Comply with all company safety regulations and procedures.
• Comply with the company’s commitment to quality by documenting and advising team members of factors that may impact product quality.

Candidate Requirements

Experience

• PhD in chemistry, polymer science, material science, biochemistry, chemical biology, biotechnology, chemical engineering, nanoscience or biomedical engineering. Top MSc candidates with significant commercial experience will be considered
• 2-5 year experience leading and managing other scientists or researchers
• Experience in training and coaching other scientists or researchers
• Knowledge of ISO9001:2015 and ISO13485:2012 QMS preferable.

Skills

• Excellent verbal/written communication skills and strong computer skills are required.
• Must be a self-motivated individual that can function both independently, as well as part of a team.
• Good leadership and team management skills.
• The individual should have a keen sense of urgency to get the job done, excellent lab hands and attention to detail, positive behavioural skills.
• Respond quickly to changing priorities and handle multiple projects at once, with overlapping deadlines.
• Use of laboratory skills to complete R&D, production and QC of nanofiber materials, within the context of the production schedule and processes, with an advanced understanding of related technical processes.
• Able to analyse the data to ensure production/QC is within expected operating parameters, and where needed, design troubleshooting experiments to identify and solve problems with technical production/QC.

This position reports to: R&D Manager