Lead Structural Biologist - Protein Crystallography

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Hybrid role

Professional development

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Structural Biologist in Kimberley to head our protein crystallography efforts. You will mentor scientists, design purification and crystallization strategies, and drive high-resolution structure determination to inform drug discovery.

You will oversee X-ray data collection, interpret structures for mechanism of action, and collaborate with medicinal chemistry, biophysics, and computational biology teams. Hybrid work and cutting-edge facilities support your research.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field.
• 7+ years post-PhD experience in protein crystallography.
• Proven track record solving high-resolution protein structures via X-ray.
• Experience with protein expression, purification, and crystallization.
• Familiarity with synchrotron radiation and diffraction techniques.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of structural biologists focused on crystallography.
• Design strategies for purification, crystallization, and structure determination.
• Oversee collection and analysis of X-ray diffraction data.
• Determine high-resolution 3D structures of proteins and complexes.
• Interpret data to guide drug design and mechanism studies.
• Develop advanced crystallographic techniques and computational methods.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemistry, biophysics, and computational biology.
• Present findings at conferences and contribute to manuscripts.
• Assist grant writing and manage lab resources and budgets.

Skills

protein crystallography

leadership

X-ray data analysis

protein expression & purification

biochemistry & biophysics

communication

Education

Ph.D. in Structural Biology

Tools

crystallography software

phasing software

synchrotron data processing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier biotechnology company at the forefront of molecular discovery, is seeking an accomplished Lead Structural Biologist to head their protein crystallography efforts. This is a critical role based in our advanced research facility in Kimberley . You will lead a team of scientists in determining the 3D structures of important biological macromolecules, providing crucial insights for drug discovery and development. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge structural biology technologies and contribute to projects that have the potential to revolutionize therapeutics. You will collaborate closely with computational chemists, biophysicists, and medicinal chemists, playing an integral part in advancing our understanding of biological systems at the atomic level. Our client is committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of structural biologists focused on protein crystallography.
• Design and execute strategies for the purification, crystallization, and structural determination of protein targets.
• Oversee the collection and analysis of X-ray diffraction data.
• Determine high-resolution 3D structures of proteins and protein complexes.
• Interpret structural data to guide drug design and mechanism of action studies.
• Develop and implement advanced crystallographic techniques and computational methods.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including medicinal chemistry, biophysics, and computational biology.
• Present research findings internally and externally at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and grant writing efforts.
• Manage laboratory resources and budgets associated with structural biology projects.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in protein crystallography.
• Proven track record of determining high-resolution protein structures using X-ray crystallography.
• Extensive experience with protein expression, purification, and crystallization.
• Proficiency in crystallographic data processing, structure solution, and refinement software.
• Strong understanding of protein biochemistry and molecular biology.
• Experience with synchrotron radiation sources and macromolecular X-ray diffraction techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and mentor scientific staff.
• Experience with cryo-EM or other structural biology techniques is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health, dental, and vision insurance, a strong retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attending leading scientific conferences and workshops, are fully supported.
• This hybrid role, based in Kimberley , offers a balance between essential lab-based structural biology work and the flexibility to conduct data analysis and writing remotely.
• We provide a stimulating and collaborative research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology.
• Career advancement opportunities within our growing organization are substantial.
• Join a team dedicated to scientific innovation and the development of breakthrough therapies.