Biovac
National Workforce Development

Human Capital & Transformation

Building the continental vaccine manufacturing workforce for South Africa and Africa. 400+ specialised roles by 2030 — aligned with NDP 2030 and our continental mandate.

NDP 2030 Workforce Targets

National Mandate

Key workforce metrics aligned with NDP 2030 skills development objectives and Africa's continental vaccine manufacturing mandate.

Employment Pipeline (2030)
400+

Specialised Vaccine Manufacturing Roles

B-BBEE & Skills Development
73%

South African Workforce Target

Annual Intake
450+

STEM Graduates Pipeline (Annual)

Scientists in protective cleanroom suits working in biomanufacturing facility
Continental Workforce

Building South Africa's Biomanufacturing Workforce

Biovac is developing the next generation of biotech leaders — South African professionals trained in BSL-3 operations, GMP manufacturing, and advanced chromatography systems. Our workforce development programs are directly aligned with NDP 2030 and Africa's continental vaccine manufacturing mandate.

BSL-3
Facility Operations
GMP
Certified Training
ISO 5
Cleanroom Qualified
Workforce Development

Talent Pipeline

From South African STEM graduates to operational deployment — a structured pathway building continental vaccine manufacturing capability.

2,400+

STEM Graduates

Annual output from South African universities in biology, chemistry, pharmacology & bioengineering

450+

Biovac Academy

Annual intake for specialized training in bioprocessing, QC analytics & regulatory affairs

200+

Operational Deployment

Certified professionals deployed annually into BSL-3, GMP manufacturing & quality roles

400+

Industry Leaders

Specialised roles by 2030 — senior scientists, facility directors & regulatory specialists

Strategic Roles

Open Positions

Roles demanding advanced STEM qualifications and deep domain expertise. Priority given to South African nationals under the B-BBEE & Skills Development mandate.

Senior Process Development Scientist

B-BBEE
R&D Cape Town, ZA • PhD / MSc required
  • PhD or MSc in Biochemistry, Bioprocess Engineering, or related discipline
  • 5+ years experience in upstream/downstream process development for biologics
  • Expertise in mammalian cell culture, chromatography purification, and viral clearance studies
  • Experience with single-use bioreactor systems (200L-2000L scale)
  • Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals preferred

BSL-3 Facility Operations Lead

B-BBEE
Manufacturing Cape Town, ZA • MSc / BSc + 8 yrs required
  • MSc in Microbiology, Bioengineering, or related field (BSc with 8+ years accepted)
  • Certified in BSL-3 containment operations and decontamination protocols
  • Experience managing ISO 5 / Class 100 cleanroom operations
  • Knowledge of SAHPRA and international GMP regulations
  • Leadership experience managing 10+ person technical teams

Regulatory Affairs Director — SAHPRA

B-BBEE
Quality & Regulatory Cape Town, ZA • PharmD / MSc required
  • PharmD, MSc in Regulatory Science, or equivalent advanced degree
  • 10+ years regulatory affairs experience in biologics/vaccines
  • Deep working knowledge of SAHPRA registration pathways and CTD/eCTD submissions
  • Experience with FDA IND/BLA and EMA MAA processes
  • Track record of successful product registrations in African markets

Quality Assurance Specialist

B-BBEE
Manufacturing Cape Town, ZA • BSc + 3 yrs required
  • BSc in Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Science, or related field
  • 3+ years experience in GMP quality assurance for biopharmaceuticals
  • Familiarity with HPLC, mass spectrometry, and electrophoresis techniques
  • Experience with deviation management, CAPA, and change control systems
  • Knowledge of SAHPRA GMP guidelines and ICH quality standards

Analytical Chemist II

R&D Cape Town, ZA • MSc required
  • MSc in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or related field
  • 3+ years experience with method development and validation for biologics
  • Proficiency in HPLC, UPLC, SEC, and CE-SDS analytical techniques
  • Experience with stability studies and release testing for biopharmaceuticals
  • GLP and GMP laboratory environment experience required

Project Manager — CDMO Partnerships

Corporate Cape Town, ZA • MBA / MSc preferred
  • MBA, MSc in Life Sciences, or equivalent advanced degree preferred
  • 5+ years project management experience in biopharmaceutical/CDMO environment
  • PMP certification preferred; experience with Stage-Gate methodology
  • Proven track record managing cross-functional teams and external stakeholders
  • Fluency in English required; additional South African languages an advantage

Don't see the right fit?

Submit a spontaneous application and join our talent pipeline for future opportunities.

Submit Application

Ready to Build Africa's Vaccine Future?

Join a team of pioneers shaping continental healthcare capability. Your expertise directly contributes to Africa's vaccine manufacturing mandate.