The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation’s work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.
About the job:
The CSIR has a temporary vacancy for a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in the Biomanufacturing Technology research group, within the Chemicals Cluster. The incumbent will be responsible for the development and optimization of industrially relevant Bio-catalysis projects. S/he will also support the technology demonstration of the products, techno-economic evaluation and scale-up of these processes and will work closely with the research team within the CSIR and external collaborators. This position is based in Pretoria.
For more information about the Cluster visit www.csir.co.za/future-production-chemicals.
Key responsibilities:
- Design, plan and execute projects, with a focus on industry related bio-catalysis projects with the goal of commercialisation.
- Contribute to the management of projects to gain experience as a Principal Investigator.
- Disseminate research through reports, technology demonstrators and scientific publications.
- Contribute to the writing of peer reviewed journal publications, of which the successful candidate would be expected to be the lead author for at least one publication per annum.
- Present research findings to both internal external stakeholders, as well as at national and international conferences.
- Supervise and/or co-supervise postgraduate students and interns.
- Contribute to the day-to-day running and maintenance of the research group, its laboratories and production facilities.
- Keep up to date with trends and new developments, approaches and techniques in the field and initiate their introduction and adoption by the group.
- Assist with other biomanufacturing projects currently running in the research group.
- Undertake both internal and external training.
Qualifications, skills and experience:
- A Doctoral degree in a field related to molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, bioprocess engineering or chemical engineering with specialisation in bio-catalysis.
- Experience in screening for biocatalysts, optimisation of conditions for biocatalytic production of a desired product, bioprocess development, development of downstream processes to purify the desired product and analytical techniques to follow the bioconversion.
- Experience in fermentation, enzyme assays, bioprocess modelling, and/or techno-economic evaluation will be advantageous.
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with others in a research group.
- Clear demonstration of problem-solving abilities and independent research are essential.
- Evidence of adaptability to change in research focus would be advantageous.
- A track record of publications.
Closing date: 31 August 2021
PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.
For more info, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please do-not send your application to this mailbox, it is only for inquiries.
The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualification and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.
