Job Description

A leading agricultural company specialising in the manufacturing and distribution of pesticides, fertilizers, and related agricultural products requires the above to handle all microbiological functions on new and existing applications for the local and international market.

Minimum requirements for the role:

• A BSc sciences-related degree is essential for the role.
• Minimum experience having worked in a microbiology lab is essential for this role.
• 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 teamwork skills.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Handling all microbiological functions on new and existing applications of existing and new products for the local and international market.
• Researching 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 optimisation for selected phosphate solubilizing isolates.
• Improving the shelf life of phosphate solubilizing inoculants.
• Screening formulated inoculants to determine the reduction in viability over time.
• Producing inoculants through liquid fermentation (laboratory scale).
• Assisting in upscaling fermentation technologies to commercial volumes.
• Testing efficacy of inoculants through pot trials and assisting with trial protocol setup for field trials.
• Testing the compatibility of produced inoculants with other agriculture products.
• Determining the survival rate of inoculants on seeds and improving survival.
• Maintaining GLP, GMP and GDP in the microbiology laboratory and production facility.
• Interpreting results and generating accurate, analytical and microbiological reports according to specified methods and procedures.
• Keeping up to date with scientific and research developments into phosphate solubilizing inoculants.

Salary package, including benefits, is highly negotiable depending on experience gained.

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