Purification Scientist at The Biovac Institute

Job Description

The Key Performance Area for this position will focus on technical delivery.

The Scientist will be responsible for the planning, execution and reporting of all downstream related activities. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Execution of downstream purification product development, optimisation and technology transfer activities, by:
• Understanding and contributing towards experimental plans and operational approaches,
• Executing experiments and operations at both bench and pilot scale, ensuring process data is well defined, accurate, reproducible, and within defined timelines and budgets,
• Compilation of cGMP and GDocP quality documents.
• Overseeing equipment installation, commissioning, performance and operator training.
• Supporting cross-departmental delivery as well as delivery to external parties.
• Compliance to company safety and biosafety regulations and policies.
• Contribution to a high performance and innovative team culture.
• Supporting multi-disciplinary synergies across teams.
• Adherence to current regulations and guidelines – both local (Medicines and Related Substances Act 101 of 1965, Pharmacy Act 53 of 1974) and international.

Candidate specifications:

• A MSc or a 3 year post matric qualification with experience in the relevant discipline, for example, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemical or Process Engineering.
• Advanced knowledge in the principles of chromatography, purification optimization and process scale-up.
• Ability to understand and execute separation of complex mixtures using modern chromatographic techniques, optimization and scale-up activities.
• Ability to work under biosafety level 3 containment.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience in coordination and execution of additional lab activities and functions with respect to:
• Raw materials, consumables and equipment procurement
• Monitoring of critical equipment and utilities
• Scientific records and documentation
• Strong skills in data analysis and statistics.
• Good presentation and technical writing skills.
• Ability to communicate and relate well with people at all levels.
• Self-starter, hands on approach, with a drive for excellence and high standards.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and responsibilities.
• The following would be advantageous
• Experience with aseptic techniques.
• Knowledge of cGMP (SA, PIC/S, WHO) and GLP guidelines.

Other requirements:

• Local and international travel may be required.
• Own, reliable transport required for possible standby and shift work.
• Flexible working hours.

The position is a long-term fixed contract position with the opportunity for permanent employment. An annual salary which is competitive in the research and development sector in SA will be negotiated relevant to experience.

Application deadline: 27 April 2017

All positions will be filled in accordance with our Employment Equity policy as The Biovac Institute is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress.

Kindly note that by submitting your application for this career opportunity you agree that Biovac may use your application for the purpose of the recruitment and selection of the said position and this information may be shared with the relevant stakeholders in the business

If no correspondence has been received within 3 weeks of the closing date, applicants should consider their applications unsuccessful.