Microbiome Technology Specialist

Summary :

While research in microbiome technology has shown great potential, successfully translating lab-based findings into market-ready products is a complex process. This role ensures that discoveries made in the laboratory are successfully scaled, commercialized, and integrated into the operational practices of oil palm plantations. As a pre-commercialization Specialist, the candidate is expected to doing so, with proper knowledge and experience.

Also, the candidate will work across stages from identifying beneficial microbes in lab settings to developing scalable formulations, testing in field trials, and refining products for large-scale application. This ensures that microbial products not only demonstrate efficacy in controlled environments but also deliver practical, measurable results when applied in real-world plantation conditions.

Job Description :

Microbial exploration: Isolate, identify, and characterize microbes with beneficial effects on oil palm, such as growth-promoting bacteria and fungi, or natural antagonists of pests and diseases. Conduct lab-based research to assess microbial beneficial features.

Formulation: Develop scalable formulations of selected microbes (e.g., liquid, granular, or powdered formulations) suitable for field applications in oil palm plantations. Focus on optimizing production processes for cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

Laboratory Testing and Field Trials: Conduct rigorous laboratory experiments followed by small-scale and large-scale field trials to evaluate the effectiveness of microbial products in improving plant health, disease resistance, and yield. Analyze data from trials and optimize formulations as necessary.

Commercialization Support: Conduct feasibility study and collaborate with the product development, marketing, and sales teams to transition microbial products from the lab to market. Ensure that product specifications meet the needs of our oil palm Estates, support product packaging and lighten the distribution.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all microbial products meet regulatory requirements for agricultural inputs in the markets where they are sold.

Job Requirement :

Master's degree in Microbiology Agriculture, Agrotechnology, Entomology, or Phytopathology

Have a strong knowledge in Oil Palm, particularly in upstream operations; 2 years of experience is desirable

Robust understanding and/or practical experience in bio-product pre-commercialization (prototyping, product testing, bio-reactor scaling)

Good in analytical thinking

Willing to be located in Sentul Research

“Our company has never levied any fees for the recruitment process nor has it required to order tickets and accommodation through a certain travel agent or certain person”

R-25000050