Macrobial Research Technician

River Bioscience (Pty) Ltd, a biorational company, has an exciting opportunity for a Macrobial Research Technician to join the macrobial research team. This permanent position will be based at our Head Office in Port Elizabeth.

The Research Technician will be responsible for providing support to the macrobial research team. The research team will be responsible for: culture establishment, maintenance, occasional field research, and rearing/behavioural-related research on strategically important insect pests and their relevant biological control agents.

• Oversee the establishment and maintenance of all key RBX insect cultures (key insect pests and beneficial insects) and assist with other research laboratory-related work, including some field work (e.g., collecting field specimens in accordance with relevant bioprospecting legislation).
• Collaborate and assist the researcher with the development of artificial diets.
• Collaborate and assist the researcher in writing literature reviews.
• Assist with developing/evaluating research protocols alongside the researcher.
• Establishing population dynamics and autecology of lab-based cultures.
• Conduct general laboratory-based trials
• Support the efforts of the product innovation department, as a whole, to achieve key research objectives.
• Propose new and innovative ideas to grow the PD&I department.
• Identify any quality control measures that should be included for monitoring culture health.

• Hon / MSc in Entomology or a related scientific field (preferred).
• Has experience working in a laboratory setting with insects or other biological organisms.
• Has experience working with artificial diets for the rearing of lepidopteran insects.
• Has experience working with biocontrol insects.
• Has experience in mass rearing insects for the production of biocontrol agents.
• Other knowledge and skill requirements:
  • Ability to mass-rear insects for research purposes.
  • Ability to maintain GLP standards.
  • Able to use a microscope.
  • Skills in statistical analysis.
  • Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Package).
  • Good scientific report writing skills.
  • Be neat and organised with excellent time-keeping/future-planning skills.
  • Ability to troubleshoot research-related problems.
  • Ability to work in a team.
  • Capable of following a protocol/work instruction.
  • Basic computer and data entry skills (Microsoft package).
  • Valid driver's licence.

• Willing to work in an agile, start-up environment - be willing to grow with the Company.
• Willing to delegate tasks and provide clear instructions.
• Willing to work after hours and on weekends when necessary.
• Willing to travel locally frequently and internationally when required.
• Detail-oriented, which drives informed, collective decision making.
• Solution-based and positive attitude.
• Ability to operate independently as well as in a team where collective decision-making is undertaken.

River Bioscience (Pty) Ltd is an equal opportunity employer without regard to race, religion, colour, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Remuneration for the position will be discussed with candidates who are invited for an interview.