Microbiologist - Research and Development (Mpumalanga) at Prostaff Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Minimum requirements for the role:

• A BSc or similar degree in Microbiology or Biotechnology or related qualification is essential for this role. (Must have Microbiology to 3rd year or 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.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• 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.