MSc position for Industry-Linked Project

The two-year project is part of a larger three-year project, entitled “Sustainable Table Olive Processing”. The project is an initiative of SA Olive and ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, with participants from the ARC Post-Harvest and Wine Technology division and IMBM. Research will be conducted at ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, Stellenbosch and UWC. Olive fermentation samples with different yeast and bacteria combinations will be obtained and screened in vitro for enzyme activity. Additionally, chemical marker compounds using HPLC techniques will be identified. The ultimate goal is to establish a natural process to produce green table olives.

Minimum requirements: Experience and skills in basic molecular biology techniques, analytical chemistry techniques, method development and good laboratory practice. Experience in Organic chemistry or Analytical chemistry will be considered as an advantage. Responsibility, reliability, good problem solving, time management, communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills, as well as computer literacy are absolute requirements.

Additional requirements: BSc Hons, or an equivalent qualification, with a minimum average score of 60% and a major in either Microbiology, Biochemistry or Chemistry is required.

Contact: To apply or for enquiries, contact Dr Anita Burger, Research and Innovation Manager, IMBM by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or telephonically (021 959 2083). Applications should be submitted electronically and include a letter of motivation, abstract from your Hons research project, a CV, a certified copy of the highest degree, and the contact details of three references. The due date for applications is 19 April 2017.