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ONDERSTEPOORT BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS INCORPORATION (OBP) VACANCIES
ONDERSTEPOORT BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS INCORPORATION (OBP)
OBP is a manufacturer of veterinary vaccines and other Biological products, committed to quality products. OBP is an equal opportunities and affirmative action employer
LABORATORY ASSISTANT
Ref: LAB01 / 2025
Closing Date: 14 March 2025 @ 16h00
The Laboratory Assistant is responsible for assisting and performing all QC tests related to vaccines. Assisting with the maintenance of all microbiological QC laboratories.
Main Responsibilities: * Perform sterility tests on inactivated and live viral, bacterial vaccines, blood vaccines, diluents, and mediums. * Perform bio-burden tests using filtration, settle plates and air-sampling equipment (Water supply, Bio-hazard or Laminar cabinets, incubators, cold storage and QC laboratories * Assist in the compilation of test result documentation in a timely manner * Compile and submit QC tests results (final test documents) to the Microbiologist * Ensure test medium and consumables are available at QC * Ensure lab protective ware is available to QC personnel * Decontaminate and disinfect the laboratory and laboratory equipment according to relevant SOPs. Dispose all waste materials from laboratories according to SOPs. * Monitor temperature variation incubators, freezers, fridge's, cold rooms and autoclaves daily *Arrangements for vaccine incubation at 37ºC and other samples. *Liaise with procurement on laboratory consumables. *Sample receiving and distribute according to relevant section for tests to be performed according to SOP’s *Liaise with QC Microbiologist regarding test results.
Minimum Requirements: * Diploma in Biological Sciences and/or equivalent (NQF 6) *1 Year experience in Microbiological laboratory. Experience in a pharmaceutical industry is an added advantage.
Remuneration: A Paterson Grade C remuneration package will be offered that is commensurate with experience and qualification of the successful candidate.
NOTES:
OBP reserves the right to fill any of its positions.
Suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications online at PNET https://www.pnet.co.za. by the closing date. No late applications will be accepted or considered after the closing date.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
LABORATORY ASSISTANT
Ref: LAB01 / 2025
Closing Date: 14 March 2025 @ 16h00
The Laboratory Assistant is responsible for assisting and performing all QC tests related to vaccines. Assisting with the maintenance of all microbiological QC laboratories.
Main Responsibilities: * Perform sterility tests on inactivated and live viral, bacterial vaccines, blood vaccines, diluents, and mediums. * Perform bio-burden tests using filtration, settle plates and air-sampling equipment (Water supply, Bio-hazard or Laminar cabinets, incubators, cold storage and QC laboratories * Assist in the compilation of test result documentation in a timely manner * Compile and submit QC tests results (final test documents) to the Microbiologist * Ensure test medium and consumables are available at QC * Ensure lab protective ware is available to QC personnel * Decontaminate and disinfect the laboratory and laboratory equipment according to relevant SOPs. Dispose all waste materials from laboratories according to SOPs. * Monitor temperature variation incubators, freezers, fridge's, cold rooms and autoclaves daily *Arrangements for vaccine incubation at 37ºC and other samples. *Liaise with procurement on laboratory consumables. *Sample receiving and distribute according to relevant section for tests to be performed according to SOP’s *Liaise with QC Microbiologist regarding test results.
Minimum Requirements: * Diploma in Biological Sciences and/or equivalent (NQF 6) *1 Year experience in Microbiological laboratory. Experience in a pharmaceutical industry is an added advantage.
Remuneration: A Paterson Grade C remuneration package will be offered that is commensurate with experience and qualification of the successful candidate.
NOTES:
OBP reserves the right to fill any of its positions.
Suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications online at PNET https://www.pnet.co.za. by the closing date. No late applications will be accepted or considered after the closing date.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN
Ref: TECH09/2025
Closing Date: 14 March 2025
Production Technician is responsible for supporting manufacturing process and assisting in the production of viral vaccines on cell and egg cultures to meet quality specifications and market demand.
Main Responsibilities include: * Production of Cell Cultures, Viral Antigens and Vaccines on mammalian and egg cultures as per standard operating procedures * Preparation and bio decontamination of all production areas and equipment. *Conduct in-process monitoring of cells and viral cultures, daily equipment monitoring, calibration and completion of job cards for equipment repairs. * Waste disposal and housekeeping according to GLP and departmental SOPs. *Perform required document and inventory stock management * Keep detailed, accurate and legible paper and computerized records of production activities , equipment logbooks, batch documents, databases, ERP stock records, paper trail etc. *Participate on available projects and process troubleshooting of OOS results* *Contribute towards the mitigation of the department’s risk profile by implementing sound governance and compliance processes and tools to identify and manage risks. Attend required meetings and perform other tasks as may be assigned by Manager.
Minimum Requirements: * National Diploma in Life Sciences. NQF 6 * At least 2 Years’ experience working in a laboratory environment. *Experience of working in an aseptic environment is a requirement. Must have working knowledge of safety, quality systems and quality assurance concepts *Ability to read, understand and follow technical instructions ,policies and procedures.
Remuneration: A Paterson Grade C remuneration package will be offered that is commensurate with experience and qualification of the successful candidate.
NOTES:
OBP reserves the right to fill any of its positions.
Suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications online at PNET https://www.pnet.co.za. by the closing date. No late applications will be accepted or considered after the closing date.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN
Ref: TECH09/2025
Closing Date: 14 March 2025
Production Technician is responsible for supporting manufacturing process and assisting in the production of viral vaccines on cell and egg cultures to meet quality specifications and market demand.
Main Responsibilities include: * Production of Cell Cultures, Viral Antigens and Vaccines on mammalian and egg cultures as per standard operating procedures * Preparation and bio decontamination of all production areas and equipment. *Conduct in-process monitoring of cells and viral cultures, daily equipment monitoring, calibration and completion of job cards for equipment repairs. * Waste disposal and housekeeping according to GLP and departmental SOPs. *Perform required document and inventory stock management * Keep detailed, accurate and legible paper and computerized records of production activities , equipment logbooks, batch documents, databases, ERP stock records, paper trail etc. *Participate on available projects and process troubleshooting of OOS results* *Contribute towards the mitigation of the department’s risk profile by implementing sound governance and compliance processes and tools to identify and manage risks. Attend required meetings and perform other tasks as may be assigned by Manager.
Minimum Requirements: * National Diploma in Life Sciences. NQF 6 * At least 2 Years’ experience working in a laboratory environment. *Experience of working in an aseptic environment is a requirement. Must have working knowledge of safety, quality systems and quality assurance concepts *Ability to read, understand and follow technical instructions ,policies and procedures.
Remuneration: A Paterson Grade C remuneration package will be offered that is commensurate with experience and qualification of the successful candidate.
NOTES:
OBP reserves the right to fill any of its positions.
Suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications online at PNET https://www.pnet.co.za. by the closing date. No late applications will be accepted or considered after the closing date.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIST
Ref: PROD08/2025
Closing Date: 14 March 2025
The Production Technologist is responsible for producing cell cultures and viral vaccines to meet approved quality standards: ISO 9001 and GMP etc to meet market demand.
Main Responsibilities include: Perform product manufacturing within controlled environment of viral vaccines on mammalian/primary cell lines/embryonated eggs in strict compliance with standard operating procedures and all safety requirements, as assigned *Implement production of viral vaccines as per production schedule*perform room and equipment cleaning *Set up and operate all equipment including computer controlled equipment with training *Inspect, sample and test in-process or completed products /components * Keep detailed ,accurate and legible paper and computerized records of production activities , and logbooks * Write and regularly review SOPS and batch documents for accuracy ,quality and compliance* Ensure production equipment is operated in accordance with SOPs and routinely maintained and calibrated* Assist in problem solving, root cause analysis with regards to equipment, processes and systems and advise direct supervisor of perceived problems* Identify and participate in opportunities for improving efficiency in the production process * participate in new product scale-up ,process optimization, technology transfer and process validation activities as required* maintained ISO9001/ c GMP compliance *Inventory control or oversight of required raw materials *Prepare technical reports *Conduct risk assessments of the production process and take corrective action where required *Ensure that documentation is completed to ISO standards and SOP requirements. *Ensure that documentation follows the route specified by QMS and that all documentation is held for audit purposes and traceability. * Compile monthly activity reports *Manage budget in accordance with policies, procedures and legal requirements *Provide for the creation and maintenance of mutually beneficial relationships with all relevant stakeholders by ensuring that all partner obligations are met, and expectations exceeded. *Maintain a professional environment that sets the example for the business by living the OBP values. *Responsible for the coordination and maintenance of quality risk management in line with regulatory requirements.* Attend required meetings and perform other tasks as may be assigned by Manager.
Minimum Requirements: * BSc Degree / B.Tech in Microbiology/Biological Science/Virology Biochemistry or Biotechnology. NQF 7. * At least 3 Years’ experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology or bioprocessing environment. * Prior experience and demonstrated knowledge in large-scale propagation of viruses on mammalian cell lines, monolayer/suspension cultures or in embryonic eggs *Prior experience or thorough working knowledge of aseptic production techniques, cleanroom environment and problem solving experience working in a GMP or similar regulated bio-pharmaceutical production environment will be a distinct advantage* Must have working knowledge of safety, quality systems and quality assurance concepts *Ability to read ,understand and follow technical instructions ,policies and procedures * Technical writing experience and writing and or/ revising SOPs and batch records *Good problem solving and analytical skills* Good organisational, planning and time management skills and ability to multi-task *Good written and oral communication *Detail oriented and self-directed with ability to work independently and in a team.
Remuneration: A Paterson Grade C remuneration package will be offered that is commensurate with experience and qualification of the successful candidate.
NOTES:
OBP reserves the right to fill any of its positions.
Suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications online at PNET https://www.pnet.co.za. by the closing date. No late applications will be accepted or considered after the closing date.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIST
Ref: PROD08/2025
Closing Date: 14 March 2025
The Production Technologist is responsible for producing cell cultures and viral vaccines to meet approved quality standards: ISO 9001 and GMP etc to meet market demand.
Main Responsibilities include: Perform product manufacturing within controlled environment of viral vaccines on mammalian/primary cell lines/embryonated eggs in strict compliance with standard operating procedures and all safety requirements, as assigned *Implement production of viral vaccines as per production schedule*perform room and equipment cleaning *Set up and operate all equipment including computer controlled equipment with training *Inspect, sample and test in-process or completed products /components * Keep detailed ,accurate and legible paper and computerized records of production activities , and logbooks * Write and regularly review SOPS and batch documents for accuracy ,quality and compliance* Ensure production equipment is operated in accordance with SOPs and routinely maintained and calibrated* Assist in problem solving, root cause analysis with regards to equipment, processes and systems and advise direct supervisor of perceived problems* Identify and participate in opportunities for improving efficiency in the production process * participate in new product scale-up ,process optimization, technology transfer and process validation activities as required* maintained ISO9001/ c GMP compliance *Inventory control or oversight of required raw materials *Prepare technical reports *Conduct risk assessments of the production process and take corrective action where required *Ensure that documentation is completed to ISO standards and SOP requirements. *Ensure that documentation follows the route specified by QMS and that all documentation is held for audit purposes and traceability. * Compile monthly activity reports *Manage budget in accordance with policies, procedures and legal requirements *Provide for the creation and maintenance of mutually beneficial relationships with all relevant stakeholders by ensuring that all partner obligations are met, and expectations exceeded. *Maintain a professional environment that sets the example for the business by living the OBP values. *Responsible for the coordination and maintenance of quality risk management in line with regulatory requirements.* Attend required meetings and perform other tasks as may be assigned by Manager.
Minimum Requirements: * BSc Degree / B.Tech in Microbiology/Biological Science/Virology Biochemistry or Biotechnology. NQF 7. * At least 3 Years’ experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology or bioprocessing environment. * Prior experience and demonstrated knowledge in large-scale propagation of viruses on mammalian cell lines, monolayer/suspension cultures or in embryonic eggs *Prior experience or thorough working knowledge of aseptic production techniques, cleanroom environment and problem solving experience working in a GMP or similar regulated bio-pharmaceutical production environment will be a distinct advantage* Must have working knowledge of safety, quality systems and quality assurance concepts *Ability to read ,understand and follow technical instructions ,policies and procedures * Technical writing experience and writing and or/ revising SOPs and batch records *Good problem solving and analytical skills* Good organisational, planning and time management skills and ability to multi-task *Good written and oral communication *Detail oriented and self-directed with ability to work independently and in a team.
Remuneration: A Paterson Grade C remuneration package will be offered that is commensurate with experience and qualification of the successful candidate.
NOTES:
OBP reserves the right to fill any of its positions.
Suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications online at PNET https://www.pnet.co.za. by the closing date. No late applications will be accepted or considered after the closing date.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
SENIOR SCIENTIST
Ref: SC5/2025
Closing Date: 07 MARCH 2025
The Senior Scientist shall undertake research in order to create or improve technologies and vaccine products related to veterinary diseases caused by bacterial pathogens.
Main Responsibilities include: *Develop and commercialize new products. *Profile current vaccines against emerging bacterial pathogens * Improve and modify current products as per regulatory requirements and technological changes. *Improve, profile and preserve animal pathogens, cultures and vaccine antigens. * Improve production processes and technologies for bacterial vaccines. *Identify and implement new production, analytical and diagnostic technologies. *Develop and integrate processes and technologies for large scale production. *Continuously improve production equipment efficiencies. *Research, develop and implement new and improved manufacturing technologies for bacterial products. *Transfer technologies seamlessly to internal and external stakeholders. * Provide relevant support services to other business units as per operational requirements (seed stocks, cells, troubleshooting, process auditing, customer complaints investigations and technical information and expert advice). *Keep abreast of current, relevant literature, technologies, and regulatory changes to inform internal product and process development activities). *Identify and secure external funding for OBP’s research priority areas. *Develop peer-reviewed technical documents and outputs that advance the scientific outlook of OBP products. *Interact and network with relevant partners to foster a collaborative research environment within OBP terms and conditions. *Ensure compliance to ISO and GLP/GMP/GCP requirements and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OH&S) and Company Regulations. *Assist with the implementation of ISO and GLP/GMP standards. *Observe and comply with the OH&S Regulations. *Update SOPs. *Oversee masterseed stock management as required. *Oversee allocated projects conducted by researchers. *Supervise business core functions done within R&D (seed stock management, cell stock management, equipment maintenance etc). *Participate in human capital development in fields relevant to OBP (formal supervision of students registered for higher degrees, mentoring of staff and students, development of training needs etc.) * Contribute towards the mitigation of the department’s risk profile by implementing sound governance and compliance processes and tools to identify and manage risks.
Minimum Requirements: * PhD degree in Biological or Veterinary Sciences (NQF 10) *5 Years post PhD working experience in Biological sciences research and development environment with the following: *Experience in the animal health research including understanding of vaccine regulatory environment. *Industrial experience in the vaccine development value chain, i.e. discovery, antigen stock characterization and preservation, manufacturing process design, quality control protocol development, product efficacy evaluation, and technology transfer. *Combined knowledge bacteriology, parasitology, and immunology as it pertains to veterinary diseases, vaccine manufacturing and animal health. *Proven track record of having established sufficiently funded collaborative partnerships and networks that yielded commercial products and technologies. *Proven track record in successfully mentoring junior employees and trainees. *Working knowledge of quality management systems of interest to OBP, namely, GCP/GLP/GMP/ISO.
Remuneration: A Paterson Grade D remuneration package will be offered that is commensurate with experience and qualification of the successful candidate.
Suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications on PNET. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please note that, no applications will be accepted after the closing date.
SCIENTIST
Ref: SC07/2024
Closing Date: 07 March 2025
The Scientist shall undertake research in order to create or improve technologies and products related to veterinary diseases caused by animal viral pathogens.
Main Responsibilities include: * Develop and commercialize new products. *Profile current vaccines against emerging animal viral pathogens *Improve and modify current products as per regulatory requirements and technological changes. *Improve, profile and preserve animal pathogens, cultures and vaccine antigens *Improve production processes and technologies. *Identify and implement new production process, analytical and diagnostic technologies. *Develop and integrate processes and technologies for large scale production. *Continuously improve production equipment efficiencies. *Transfer technologies seamlessly to internal and external stakeholders. *Provide relevant support services to other business units as per operational requirements. *Keep abreast of current, relevant literature, technologies, and regulatory changes to inform internal product and process development activities. *Develop peer-reviewed technical documents and outputs that advance the scientific outlook of OBP products. *Interact and network with relevant partners to foster a collaborative research environment within OBP terms and conditions. *Comply with all national and international regulatory requirements relevant in the development of animal vaccine technologies and diagnostics. *Comply with all applicable quality standards (ISO and GLP/GMP/GCP requirements and the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Company Regulations). *Assist with the implementation of ISO and GLP/GMP standards. *Observe and comply with the OH&S Regulations. *Update SOPs. *Ensure testing is undertaken in terms of SOP and GLP/GMP. *Execute allocated projects as per project plans. *Mentor and supervise the work of research trainees as per area of expertise *Contribute towards the mitigation of the department’s risk profile by implementing sound governance and compliance processes and tools to identify and manage risks.
Minimum Requirements: * MSc degree in Biological or Veterinary Sciences (NQF 9) *5 years post MSc working experience in Biological sciences research and development environment with the following: *Experience in the animal health research and vaccine development including understanding its regulatory environment. *Industrial experience in the vaccine development value chain, i.e. discovery, antigen stock characterization and preservation, manufacturing process design, quality control protocol development, product efficacy evaluation, and technology transfer. *Knowledge of virology, and immunology as it pertains to veterinary diseases, vaccine manufacturing and animal health. *Proven track record in successfully mentoring junior employees and trainees. *Working knowledge of quality management systems of interest to OBP, namely, GCP/GLP/GMP/ISO.
Remuneration: A Paterson Grade D remuneration package will be offered that is commensurate with experience and qualification of the successful candidate.
NOTES:
OBP reserves the right to fill any of its positions.
Suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications online at PNET https://www.pnet.co.za. by the closing date. No late applications will be accepted or considered after the closing date.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.