Job Description

Department:

Process Development

Position Type:

Full-Time Employee

Location:

Cape Town, South Africa (on-site)

Experience:

BSc/BEng in Process/Chemical Engineering with 5-8+ years relevant experience in process engineering or biotechnology OR PhD in molecular biology/enzymology or related fields with 0-5+ years demonstrated industry experience in process development

Company Summary

Watchmaker Genomics is a global life sciences company with R&D and Production facilities in Cape Town, South Africa, and headquarters in Boulder, Colorado. Our team is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to collaboration, creativity, and scientific rigour. We believe that the intersection of biology, engineering, and computer science offers exciting opportunities to develop novel technologies that advance research and enhance human health. We leverage our enzyme engineering and computational biology capabilities to develop products that support high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and personalised medicine.



We are seeking an R&D Scientist to join our Process Development team in Cape Town, South Africa.



As part of the Process Development team, you will apply your expertise in process engineering to design and transfer reagent manufacturing processes. You will contribute directly in delivering high-quality, innovative products to our customers. In this highly collaborative role, you will work closely with various departments, including R&D, Production, IT, and Quality Assurance across our global sites.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate globally with R&D, QA, Operations, Product Management and Commercial teams to improve the quality, efficiency, and scalability of high-level processes Independently learn, comprehend, and characterize operational processes Integrate data-driven decision making across various departments through implementation of process monitoring, trending, and evaluation Strategically evaluate processes for effectiveness, devise improvements and implement change Author, revise, and publish process maps, work instructions, batch record templates, risk analyses (e.g. FMEA) and related documentation Create training content, train process users, and build scalable training programs Clearly communicate process designs, analyses, and changes to both technical and non-technical audiences Lead projects and drive change management strategy for improving and scaling various process systems, such as: + New Product Development (NPD) + Post-market product care
+ Manufacturing and Quality Control workflows
+ Process development workflows and templates
Participate, provide guidance, and lead in non-conformance investigations, root cause analyses, risk assessments, and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) plans Support a variety of projects aimed at launching products, completing key initiatives, or validating process systems Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, including ISO 13485 guidelines Other duties as assigned

Skills and Requirements

Required skills


Advanced computer proficiency and experience with business systems including process mapping software and Microsoft and/or Google Suite software Experience project managing and leading technical projects with cross-functional teams Familiarity with various business systems/softwares such as Inventory Management and Enterprise Resource Management (ERP), Quality Management Systems (QMS), and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Experience designing and improving processes Experience operating within a QMS and driving nonconformance investigations, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action (CAPA), change control, process validation and design verification, and risk management tools like failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) Critical thinking and problem-solving skills Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail The ability to multitask, be able to work at a high standard, perform consistently under pressure along with pre-determined deadlines, and work without supervision Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work as an effective member of a team

Advantageous skills


Technical knowledge and practical expertise with enzymology and/or molecular biology techniques such as, but not limited to, protein purification, PCR, and next generation sequencing (NGS) Certification or training in project management and experience with relevant software, e.g. Smartsheets, Jira, Monday, MS Projects Proven knowledge of ISO 13485 standards and how to operate within a structured quality management system (QMS) Six sigma, 5S, ASQ, Kaizen or other training/certifications relevant to process improvement Experience in statistical analysis techniques such as Design of Experiments (DOE), Analysis of Variation (ANOVA), measurements of central tendency, etc.

Education and Experience

BSc/BEng in Process/Chemical Engineering with 5-8+ years relevant experience in process engineering or biotechnology

OR


PhD in molecular biology/enzymology or related fields with 0-5+ years demonstrated industry experience in process development

Application Requirements

To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on watchmakergenomics.com:


Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter) Resume or Curriculum vitae*, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience


Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Local candidates preferred.



If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested. We will also request a current payslip.



To ensure your application is considered, please submit it by Friday, 1 August 2025. Please note that this position may close earlier if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.


*

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE


We are only accepting direct applications for this position. We are not working with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters will not be considered and will be deemed the property of Watchmaker Genomics


*

SOUTH AFRICA - WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER


Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.


All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in South Africa; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in South Africa.


This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable laws.