Microbiology Officer - Algae | Safi (Morocco)

Ciments du Maroc stands out for a predominantly cooperative culture, where people, trust and the quality of working relationships play a central role. The company promotes a close management style based on support, empowerment and collective commitment. This collaborative foundation is complemented by equally meaningful innovation and organizational dimensions, supporting continuous improvement, adaptability and process rigor. Performance remains part of the culture, but in a more moderate and secondary way.

Mission:

Manage the laboratory and the quality system related to microalgae cultivation in semi-closed photobioreactors, from inoculation to bagging, ensuring batch conformity (physico-chemical, microbiological, humidity, salinity, purity) and traceability in an industrial environment.
Perform sampling of microalgae cultures, as well as concentrated wet and dry biomass.
Master microalgae culture methods in batch and controlled conditions (photobioreactors).
The Quality and Laboratory Officer is responsible for the management and execution of daily operations related to the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of microalgae biomass. They also supervise, in coordination with the maintenance officer, the maintenance of equipment to ensure optimal production conditions and proper functioning of the infrastructure.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Optimize the productivity of microalgae cultivation and maximize yield.
• Record and report in accordance with agreed standards – produce weekly and monthly reports on operational activities, inputs, and outputs.
• Ensure quality control of microalgae cultures and outgoing biomass (dried and suspended).
• Ensure optimal cooperation, coordination, and communication between the operational team and the Manager.
• Ensure safe working conditions; in accordance with the safety requirements of the HC Group, while applying good laboratory practices (GLP).
• They will prepare activity reports and communicate consumption data to the project manager on a bi-monthly basis.
• They will act and make decisions to optimize the operation's outcome, particularly by maximizing the quantity and quality of biomass produced while minimizing resource input and consumption.

Daily measurements/analyses, calculations:

• Prepare culture media (saline water, nutrients, trace elements) and ensure operational sterility;
• Monitor critical parameters: pH, salinity, temperature, irradiance, DO, EC, turbidity/OD;
• Perform inoculations, dilutions, scale-up transitions, and prevent contamination;
• Collaborate on downstream steps: harvesting (filtration/UF/centrifugation), drying, packaging;
• Microscopic observation of the culture's state and quality – recording relevant data;
• Record and calculate culture density and productivity;
• Record and document progress;
• Perform and prepare different types of microalgae cultures;
• Plan the production and formulation of extracts and active ingredients;
• Participate in all operations necessary for the smooth running of the activity;
• Define the physicochemical culture processes;
• Manage inputs in collaboration with the culture/production manager;
• Quality control and monitoring of documentary systems (Production/HACCP/ONSSA)

Skills

• Proficiency in saline or enriched culture media;
• Management of semi-closed photobioreactors;
• Microscopy, cell counting, hemocytometer;
• Measurement of chlorophyll, absorbance, salinity, pH, DO, EC;
• Preparation of inocula and contamination controls;
• Harvesting methods: filtration, centrifugation;
• Notions of quality assurance (traceability, SOPs, critical controls);
• Biological safety and sterile condition handling.
• Personal qualities:
• o Documentary rigor and attention to detail;
• o Proactivity (detection/management of deviations, proposal of actions);
• o Team spirit with production/maintenance/HSE;
• o Resilience in a pilot environment (variability, iterations);
• o Clear communication (reports, briefings, training).

Position Profile

• A Bachelor's degree (Bac +3) is required
• 1 to 3 years of experience in similar roles
• Data processing and good command of office software (Word, Excel, Access)