Candidate Researcher: Bioprocessing (Pretoria) at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Candidate Researcher in the Bioprocessing Technologies research group within the Chemicals Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible to investigate, conduct research, plan, and execute experiments in a specialised field of Bioprocessing and Bio-manufacturing in line with the organisational strategic plan. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Conceptualise and contribute to Research and Development (R&D) projects at the appropriate level;
• Assist with developing and applying methodologies in the specified fields, producing technical briefs or reports, technology packages, operating or manufacturing protocols, and research papers;
• Plan and conduct experiments in the field of Bioprocessing or other related field, as dictated by the Organisational Cluster’s strategy;
• Conduct laboratory scale, pilot scale and field testing of biological product prototypes or other developed technologies e.g. setup and implementation, collecting samples, analyses of samples’
• Report findings and conclude research in technical reports, standard operating procedures and technology packages;
• Provide support to other junior staff e.g., training and mentoring interns, in-service trainees;
• Publish research findings in recognised scientific journals;
• Assist with preparing proposals, network and lobby with appropriate persons/institutions in order to generate appropriate funds to pursue the strategic research objectives of the CSIR;     
• Engage with research programs, institutions, and researchers to identify and grow opportunities to expand research endeavours and strengthen science. 

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biotechnology, biochemistry, or related field with at least one year experience in bioprocessing or bio-manufacturing (project, technical and operational contributions);
• An Honours degree will be advantageous;
• Experience in bench and pilot scale fermentation processes;
• Evidence of conceptualisation of experiments, execution, analyses of data and outcomes, specific to the field of Bioprocessing and/or Bio-manufacturing,
• Scientific publications in accredited journals/books will be advantageous;
• Track record of operational contribution (laboratory responsibilities, SHEQ etc.) within a team;
• Networking, establishing and maintain links with internal and external stakeholders and clients;  
• Adaptability to change, ability to multi-task and to consistently perform under pressure;
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with others in a research group
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and;
• Able to work shifts (including night shifts) as per the nature of work within the bio-manufacturing team;
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).