14 Microbiologist jobs in South Africa

We are urgently looking for trainee microbiologist to join our hard working team

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: R9 000,00 - R14 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person

We are looking for trainee microbiologist to join our hard working team

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: R7 000,00 - R13 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person

One of the conditions under the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) provides that candidates have the right to be informed about the collection and use of their personal information,

In the course of your application: we may

• collect personal information that may be used to identify potential professional opportunities other

than the job you have applied for but of which we think might be of interest to you.

• use your Personal Information to confirm references or background checks you have provided us.
• request your consent to participate in aptitude tests or recruitment assessments.

We also use your personal information to respond to your inquiries, to verify your information and to share information with you.

Your personal information will be securely stored by the Human Capital Department, and it will be retained for a period of up to 12 months as of the closure of the application procedure if your application is unsuccessful, and in case of a successful application and you are hired, your data will be transferred to your personal employee file.

By applying for this position, you consent to us processing your personal information.

We reserve the right to make an appointment. If you have not heard from us within 30 (thirty) days of the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Correspondence will be entered into only with shortlisted candidates

Job Purpose:

To perform Microbiological testing of raw material, final products and cleaning validation samples. Responsible for analysis of environmental monitoring and water. Assuring that analyses are done accurately, timeously and in accordance with specified methods and specifications.

Key Job Outputs:

• To perform microbiological testing on raw material, intermediates, final product, purified water and cleaning validation samples
• To perform environmental studies in the factory
• To perform tests accurately and carefully to ensure minimum down-time
• To perform Media preparation, Sterility check and Growth Promotion Tests for media used for testing
• To perform QC checks on cultures, maintenance of cultures and perform microbial identification when necessary
• To ensure that safety, GLP and housekeeping practices are adhered to in the micro-laboratory
• To ensure that instruments are operated and maintained in line with the necessary procedures and practices
• To ensure that wastage is minimised and/or prevented
• To assist with sampling of purified water for microbiological testing
• To assist with writing and/or revising procedures (SOPs, Test Protocols and Test reports and any other work assigned by the Microbiology Manager

• To participate in SHE, cGMP and all other compliance-related matters, where applicable

• National Diploma in Microbiology or a BSc degree in Microbiology and/or Biotechnology or equivalent

• 1 or more years pharmaceutical micro-laboratory
• Broad knowledge of GMP regulations and Good Laboratory Practices
• Computer literacy especially MS Office
• Experience in operating micro-laboratory equipment

Closing Date: 13 October 2025

• A BSc hons degree in microbiology or biotechnology or related is essential for this role.
• Previous experience having worked in a microbiology laboratory within any industry is preferred for this role.
• Previous experience having worked in research and development (R&D) microbiology focused on investigating microorganisms and their applications in various fields.
• The successful candidate must know how to do serial dilutions and be able to operate a microscope.
• Strong analytical ability and ability to interpret results.
• The person must be organised and results driven.
• The person must have good communication and be able to work in a team.

• Handling all microbiological functions on new and existing applications for the local and international market.
• Researching into mode of action, production, and formulation of microbial phosphate solubilizing inoculants.
• Isolating and screening of various microorganisms for their potential to solubilize phosphates.
• Handling growth medium optimization for selected phosphate solubilizing isolates.
• Improving shelf life of phosphate solubilizing inoculants.
• Screening formulated inoculants to determine reduction in viability over time.
• Producing inoculants through liquid fermentation (laboratory scale).
• Assisting in upscaling fermentation technologies to commercial volumes.
• Conducting ongoing improvements of fermentation processes, growth medium and product formulation.
• Conducting quality control of incoming and on-site produced phosphate solubilizing inoculants according to approved procedures per product specification.
• Testing efficacy of inoculants through pot trials and assisting with trial protocol setup for field trials as well as testing compatibility of produced inoculants with other agriculture products.
• Determining survival rate of inoculants on seed and improving on survival.
• Maintaining GLP, GMP and GDP in the microbiology laboratory and production facility.
• Interpreting results and generate accurate, analytical and microbiological reports according to specified methods and procedures.
• Keeping up to date with scientific and research developments into phosphate solubilizing inoculants.
• Preparing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintaining and preserving all cultures according to standard operating procedures.

To provide scientific leadership, mentorship and support to multi-disciplinary teams in the laboratory environment at the Platform.

Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is a talent driven, customer- centric and impact focused organisation. In our endeavour to support technology innovation with socio-economic outcomes; we seek to infuse the organisation with team players that find resonance as value creators, agile thinkers, progressive attitudes, customer-centricity, dynamic work ethic and an optimistic disposition. We aim to harness these attributes in a manner that they culminate into a culture of teamwork, impact and accountability.

In executing its mandate, the organisation provides funding and non-funding support to stimulate innovation so that it provides a catalytic impact to the economy whilst improving people's lives and protecting the environment. The Agency endeavours to promote the careers of previously disadvantaged persons by applying the principles of the Employment Equity Act, as amended.

The agency reserve thed right not to fill this position.

Qualifications

• MSc Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or Microbiology
• Preferred: PhD degree

Work Exprerience

• 4 years' experience in the relevant scientific field.
• Be registered with the relevant professional legislated regulatory body. i.e. HPCSA, SACNASP

Finance

• Give input to the formulation of the operational budget and monitor and track applicable spending.
• Provide leadership with expenditure undertaken by the diagnostic section
• Manage and monitor financial obligations that projects have to TIA (e.g. service fees, generation of service quotes, invoices etc)
• Solicit additional funding through submission funding proposals

Stakeholder Relations Plans

• Assume custodianship for linking the Platform and diagnostic section with relevant accreditation authority.
• Manage effective internal and/or external Stakeholder relationships:
• Deliver required service to the stakeholder on brief, time and with quality
• Respond timeous to queries of the stakeholder
• Maintain professional engagements and continuously exceed expectations

Internal Processes

• Lead a multidisciplinary team in diagnostic section, to deliver on approved assignment and assays.
• Provide project management and leadership on assigned projects including project costing
• Provide critical input into the operational plan of the Platform with regards to the area of expertise, i.e. diagnostic sections.
• Lead process of certifying the Diagnostic section in according to the relevant requirement i.e. SANAS. DoH etc
• Develop research protocols and SOP for the laboratory with assistance from other Platform scientists
• Ensure timeous and accurate reporting as per requirements to clients, funders, and other stakeholders. Prepare technical reports, summaries and protocols of the reports
• Compile internal and external proposals with input from the Platform technical team & complete external project review forms
• Ensure adherence to all legal compliance and business processes
• Conduct a technical feasibility study and project definition meeting
• Define a consolidated project plan with deliverables as identified in the project definition meeting
• Source approved equipment and consumables and manage stock levels
• Manage the lab equipment and oversee the general housekeeping of the laboratory.
• Manage SLA's and service received from providers.
• Develop new products and processes at the Platform: Design experiments, analyses results and compile SOP's and test methods in line with client needs and statutory requirements.
• Trouble shoot experimental problems and find solutions
• Draft and publish scientific and technical papers

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Legislation, e.g. PFMA and National Treasury Guidelines;
• Ensure compliance to all relevant accounting Standards, Policies and Frameworks; and
• Ensure Compliance with TIA Standard Operating Procedures
• Be registered with the relevant professional legislated regulatory body. i.e. HPCSA, SACNASP

Company Description

The Chirandu Group is a research-led enterprise advancing the science, provenance, and application of indigenous African knowledge. The Group unites research, formulation, and product innovation to develop verified systems of sensory and material intelligence that bridge culture and science. Through The Chirandu Institute and Chirandu Botanica, it conducts heritage documentation, sensory analysis, and formulation development to create credible, high-quality products rooted in African ecosystems.

We are looking for someone passionate about African indigenous and medicinal plants and how they can shape the future of clean, market-ready food, wellness, and personal care products.

In this part-time role, you will support our Lead Ethnobotanical Research Scientist with:

• Ethnobotanical mapping
• Profiling ingredients and bioactive compounds
• Structuring African Indigenous knowledge systems

If you are detail-oriented, research-driven, and excited to bring traditional wisdom into modern innovation, we would love to hear from you.

Role Purpose

The Ethnobotanical Research Scientist will support the research and developmental team by gathering, validating, and structuring African indigenous plant knowledge into standardized dossiers. These dossiers form the foundation of the company's knowledge archive, supporting downstream formulation, licensing, and product development. 

Key responsibilities

• Research & document interdisciplinary knowledge on botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses and ecological sustainability of African indigenous plants.
• Populate ingredient dossiers and bioactive profiles using standardized templates provided by Chirandu Botanica.
• Reporting and documentation of research that is publication-worthy & aligns with both scientific and cultural perspectives.
• Identify overlaps, contradictions, and research gaps when profiling and mapping the plants.
• Participate in peer review sessions with the Lead Ethnobotanical Research Scientist.
• Contribute insights & incorporate feedback to improve the quality of dossiers, formulations and commercialization priorities.
• Support field visits, interviews, or data collection when needed.
• Ensure compliance with heritage and attribution protocols.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's in Botany, Ethnobotany, Pharmacognosy, Ethnopharmacology, Medicinal Plant Chemistry, Phytochemistry, Natural Products Chemistry, or related field
• • 2 years of research experience (experience must also be in industry, not just academic). and academic writing. (Publication is an added advantage)
• Experience with literature reviews and academic references.
• Familiarity with African indigenous knowledge systems
• Ability to work independently
• Familiarity with product development using indigenous medicinal plants will be an added advantage.

Email your CV and short motivational letter to

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback within 2 weeks, consider your application unsuccessful.

Chirandu Botanica is growing its research team We are looking for someone passionate about African indigenous and medicinal plants and how they can shape the future of clean, market-ready food, wellness, and personal care products.

In this part-time role, you will support our Lead Ethnobotanical Research Scientist with:

• Ethnobotanical mapping
• Profiling ingredients and bioactive compounds
• Structuring African Indigenous knowledge systems

If you are detail-oriented, research-driven, and excited to bring traditional wisdom into modern innovation, we would love to hear from you.

Role Purpose

The Ethnobotanical Research Scientist will support the research and developmental team by gathering, validating, and structuring African indigenous plant knowledge into standardized dossiers. These dossiers form the foundation of the company's knowledge archive, supporting downstream formulation, licensing, and product development.

Key responsibilities

• Research & document interdisciplinary knowledge on botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses and ecological sustainability of African indigenous plants.
• Populate ingredient dossiers and bioactive profiles using standardized templates provided by Chirandu Botanica.
• Reporting and documentation of research that is publication-worthy & aligns with both scientific and cultural perspectives.
• Identify overlaps, contradictions, and research gaps when profiling and mapping the plants.
• Participate in peer review sessions with the Lead Ethnobotanical Research Scientist.
• Contribute insights & incorporate feedback to improve the quality of dossiers, formulations and commercialization priorities.
• Support field visits, interviews, or data collection when needed.
• Ensure compliance with heritage and attribution protocols.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's in Botany, Ethnobotany, Pharmacognosy, Ethnopharmacology, Medicinal Plant Chemistry, Phytochemistry, Natural Products Chemistry, or related field
• • 2 years of research experience (experience must also be in industry, not just academic). and academic writing. (Publication is an added advantage)
• Experience with literature reviews and academic references.
• Familiarity with African indigenous knowledge systems
• Ability to work independently
• Familiarity with product development using indigenous medicinal plants will be an added advantage.

Email your CV and short motivational letter to

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback within 2 weeks, consider your application unsuccessful.

Job Types: Part-time, Internship

Contract length: 6 months

Pay: R6 500,00 - R8 000,00 per month

Expected hours: 20 – 30 per week

Education:

• Masters (Preferred)

Experience:

• research and/or academic writing: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person