Research Specialist: Microbials

Somerset West

Oro Agri, with their head office in Somerset West, develops and markets eco-friendly and patented crop protection products that are distributed throughout South Africa and the Sub-Sahara region.

This position offers a challenging opportunity for a flexible and well adapted researcher with an appetite for solving industry challenges and developing dynamic solutions to meet the company’s strategic objectives.  Reporting to the Technical Manager: Research & Innovation, the successful candidate will form part of a global team within a dynamic international company.

Key Performance Areas:

• Managing microbial focused Research Projects with the assistance of the Research and Innovation Team
• Managing and overseeing Culturing Unit production, quality control and upscaling of microbial based products
• Executing novel research on microbial products and formulation development
• Planning, execution and reporting of research findings
• Managing internal stakeholder interaction

Requirements:

• MSc Plant Pathology / Microbiology
• Minimum 10 years’ industry/research experience in the agricultural sector
• Background in entomopathogenic fungi and Trichoderma would be advantageous
• Professional knowledge of research standards, practices and equipment
• Practical laboratory skills for execution of research
• Well versed in microbial techniques
• Ability to critically search and analyse information
• Well-developed verbal and written (report writing) communication skills
• High level of accuracy, confidentiality and attention to detail
• Good time management and problem-solving skills

A market-related remuneration package will be negotiated based on experience and qualifications.