Senior Microbiologist/Scientist - Anaerobic Digestion

Senior Microbiologist/Scientist - Anaerobic Digestion

Description

Lead the Biological Science Behind Australia’s First Chicken Litter Anaerobic Digestion Facility

This is a unique opportunity to drive the biological and scientific success of Australia’s first-ever chicken litter anaerobic digestion and organic fertiliser facility. Your expertise in microbiology and process chemistry will play a crucial role in optimising digestion performance, ensuring biological stability, and contributing to sustainable circular farming and renewable energy innovation.
 
If you have a strong background in microbiology and anaerobic digestion science, this is your chance to be at the forefront of a world-first project.
 
About the Company:
Our client is a leader in circular farming, operating one of Australia’s largest broiler chicken farming enterprises. Their cutting-edge waste-to-energy facility will produce renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create high-value organic fertiliser—all while positioning Australia as a global leader in sustainable agriculture.
 
With the first facility nearing commissioning and additional plants planned for development, we are seeking a microbiology and chemistry expert to take a strategic role in ensuring the biological health of this pioneering project.
 
About the Role:
As Senior Microbiologist/Scientist, you will:

• Collaborate with the AD Plant Management Team to ensure feedstocks and water meet the required quality and quantity standards for optimal AD system performance, in line with the Mass Balance.
• Work closely with the laboratory team and external Biological Monitoring team to maintain biological and chemical stability in the digesters, including daily digestate testing and immediate remedial action when necessary.
• Analyse biological and operational data, providing feedback to the Laboratory Team and Plant Manager with recommendations for any necessary adjustments.
• Take a hands-on approach to resolving biological health issues within the plant.
• Provide expert guidance on chemistry-related factors affecting AD plant health, including NH3, H2S, coagulation, flocculation, and water separation processes.
• Support the fertiliser innovation and operations teams with product formulation and chemical process optimisation.
• Contribute to future expansion projects by developing Mass Balance models for additional AD plants and creating a framework for efficient biological operations as new facilities come online

This is an opportunity to be at the forefront of sustainability, leading a project that has never been done before on this scale.
 
What’s on Offer:
This role offers a rare opportunity to be part of an industry-defining project:

• Highly competitive salary
• Career-defining leadership position in a world-first renewable energy initiative
• Direct impact on the future of agriculture and anaerobic digestion science

Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a hands-on scientist with deep expertise in microbiology, anaerobic digestion, or fermentation. The ideal candidate will have:

• PhD or MSc in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in industrial microbiology, preferably in anaerobic digestion, fermentation, wastewater, or bioprocessing
• Strong understanding of anaerobic microbial communities (acidogens, methanogens, syntrophs, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with microbial testing, process diagnostics, and biological troubleshooting
• Knowledge of VFA analysis, gas profiling, and nutrient balance in AD systems
• Experience in interpreting biological KPIs and implementing corrective actions
• Familiarity with SCADA system monitoring (highly desirable)

Your ability to adapt, innovate, and drive biological performance will be crucial to the success of this world-leading project.
 
Be Part of a Global Sustainability Movement
If you're a microbiology or chemistry expert ready to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture and waste-to-energy technology, we’d love to hear from you.
 
To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please call Kylie Eadie on 0420 969 595 or email keadie@recruitadvisory.com.au