Job Description

An exciting opportunity has become available within the renewable energy industry, for a Laboratory Manager.
We are seeking a Bioprocess Engineer to join our passionate team and take ownership of our laboratory-scale anaerobic digesters. The lab is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment linked to a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, to provide a reliable platform for data derivation and analysis.
This highly technical position requires Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and is a unique opportunity to combine hands-on lab work with strong engineering problem-solving skills to directly contribute to the energy transition in South Africa and environmental sustainability.
The candidate will play a central role in optimizing biogas production processes by taking the lead of our laboratory, from bench work to the laboratory management position.
The position is based in Irene.
REQUIREMENTS:

• Degree in Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• A solid understanding of microbiology, biochemistry, or anaerobic digestion is a plus.
• Strong skills in data analysis and scientific reporting (requiring advanced Excel skills).
• Organized, proactive, and detail oriented.
• Physically fit (handling feedstock, manual pressing/dewatering, reactor sampling).
• Committed to safety and GLP standards.
• Open to weekend availability (reactor feeding duty).
• Passion for renewable energy and sustainability.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Bench Work:

• Preparation, profiling, and testing of feedstocks (energy crops and organic waste).
• Wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided by the company and as recommended.
• Daily biogas collection and gas concentration analysis.
• Daily digester withdrawal, digestate profiling, digestate dewatering (manual press) and blending with feed.
• Daily laboratory testing (including total and soluble chemical oxygen demand, ammonia nitrogen analysis, FOS/TAC, total solids, and volatile solids).
• Daily data entry, recording and analysis.
• Monitoring the SCADA system.
• Providing timely information to the manager regarding laboratory performance and operations (e.g., equipment failure) to ensure the sustainable continuity of the trial.
• Monthly sample collection and storage for external analysis.

Extended Engineering Work and Laboratory Management:

• Project feedstock requirements for continued feeding and arranging feedstock collection.
• Managing freezer loading and storage over multiple years.
• Scheduling and organizing external testing as required.
• Managing weekly procurement of PPE and laboratory consumables.
• Schedule and oversee maintenance of equipment and accessories, including coordination with third parties.
• Ensuring quality control standards are maintained.
• Communicating effectively with third parties, including feedstock suppliers, equipment suppliers, maintenance service providers, external laboratories, and consultants.
• Participating in weekly team meetings to provide updates on laboratory progress and align with company challenges.
• Collecting and managing data from external laboratories and maintaining the database.
• Interpreting results and establishing strategies in response to company needs.
• Ensuring the trial reflects and addresses commercial-scale challenges (C:N ratio, HRT management, OLR ramp-up, risk of contamination, ammonia limitation, etc.).
• Contributing to the design and improvement of the SCADA system to ensure user-friendly and remote operability.
• Assisting with process design development.
• Writing, developing, and revising project documentation (SOPs, protocols, risk assessments, etc.).

Skills Required