Senior Lab Technician (JB1694)
Germiston, Johannesburg
R25 000 per month, negotiable
Duration: Six-month contract (with possibility of extension)

Overview
The Senior Lab Technician will form part of a Research and Development team who will be focused on optimizing the cultivation of microalgae.

Minimum Requirements:
• BScHons/MSc in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry or similar field
• Preferably 3 to 5years relevant industry experience in microalgae culture
• Proficient in the maintenance of axenic cultures and maintaining sterile culture conditions
• Computer literate, proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, specifically Excel, with experience in data collection and analysis
• Ability to follow SOPs and make recommendations for changes when necessary; experience developing SOPs a plus.
• Experience with basic analytical chemistry methods and microscopy techniques for identification of microalgae cultures is required. Knowledge of analysis of lipids and lipid profile analysis with gas chromatography is a plus
• Must be able to work independently and flexibly and to adapt to changing priorities
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Good communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Discretion when dealing with disclosures of sensitive and proprietary information. This contract will include strict non-disclosure term

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Responsible for the preparation and maintenance of microalgal cultures for scale-up, up to 10L photo-bioreactors, maintaining sterile and axenic culture conditions
• Responsible for running experiments with laboratory scale bioreactors and/or scaled photobioreactors to optimise cultivation of microalgae
• Perform testing for various physical, chemical and biological parameters, including, but not limited to:
o Perform routine water chemistry analysis
o Perform routine measurements for characterizing algae productivity and process yield
o Analyze data generated from sample streams
o Daily microscopic evaluations of cultures
o Identify and characterize bioactive ingredients of interest, gather and present data that can be used for potential commercial scale up.
• Make and record detailed observations, analyze data, and interpret results; validate data and ensure careful maintenance and timely entry of data in electronic database
• Report on findings and confirming when critical parameters are reached
• Development and Implementation of new assays
• Prepare samples in spray dryer for offsite analysis
• Supervise the preparation of standards and solutions by junior laboratory staff
• Perform routine maintenance and calibration of all lab equipment and instrumentation
• Maintain a stock of lab supplies, working with procurement to forecast supply needs and order supplies
• Assist with training of junior lab personnel
• Perform routine maintenance and minor fixes of lab equipment and tools, and report equipment faults timeously
• Manage the repair process where required
• Perform and document internal QA/QC on analytical procedures, and write reports, summaries, and protocols regarding experiments/procedures
• Perform non-routine analysis in support of process development or troubleshooting purposes, as well as in support of research and development experiments, as required
• Assist with developing, incorporating, and implementing new R&D and experimental findings into operational procedures and checklists
• Assist in the development and implementation of health and safety protocols, by documenting safety near misses and participate in determining causes and remedies, and documenting safety variances from policies and procedures. Assist with completion of incident reports and reviews as required.