Biological Co-ordinator (Addo)
River Bioscience (Pty) Ltd, a biorational company, has an opportunity for a Biological Co-ordinator to join our team. This permanent position will be based at our Addo Facility.
Main Purpose of the role: The Biological Co-ordinator will be responsible for the continuation, optimisation, and improvement of insect cultures used in baculovirus production. The role ensures a reliable supply of high-quality larvae for raw virus production, maintains biological quality and risk control standards, supports commercial trial work in collaboration with R&D, and leads the biological production team to meet production, quality, and improvement targets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and manage mass rearing of insect cultures to support culture continuation and continuous baculovirus production.
- Maintain healthy, stable insect cultures across all life stages in line with production targets and quality standards.
- Supply the virus production team with the correct insect species and life stages to meet raw virus production requirements.
- Ensure meaningful measurements, records, and reporting are maintained to track culture health, quality, and losses.
- Monitor insect health, environmental conditions, and biological performance, taking corrective & preventative action where required.
- Implement and maintain best practices aligned with GLP, risk control, hygiene, and traceability requirements.
- Support and oversee the biological production team to ensure effective task execution and adherence to standards.
- Collaborate with the R&D team on commercial trials, process improvements, and rearing optimisation initiatives.
- Plan, execute, and evaluate trial work, ensuring outcomes are documented and implemented into routine production.
- Drive continuous improvement to improve culture consistency, reduce losses, and optimise yields.
- Support production planning by reviewing inputs, capacity, and culture readiness on a weekly basis.
- Provide training, guidance, and biological understanding to the biological production team.
- Maintain effective communication and working relationships.
Requirements:
- Degree or diploma in Biological Sciences, Entomology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in insect rearing, biological production, laboratory, or research environments.
- Managerial or Supervisory experience.
- Computer literate, with proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel).
- Understanding and application of GLP.
- Ability to use laboratory equipment, including microscopes.
- Valid driver’s licence.
Characteristics:
- Neat, organised, and methodical.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Able to work independently and within a team environment.
- High emotional intelligence and professionalism.
- Solution-oriented with a positive, proactive mindset.
- Detail-oriented with strong observational ability.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills.
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.
