Senior Biologist — Cell & Gene Therapy Innovation

Placements24; Watnall; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Biologist to join our client’s research team in Kimberley, South Africa. The role focuses on advancing cell and gene therapy candidates through experimental design, data analysis, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

The successful candidate will lead complex experiments, culture primary cells and stem cells, and employ CRISPR/Cas9 and related delivery methods. Strong communication and independent work style are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years post‑doctoral research experience in an academic or industry setting, focused on cell and gene therapy.
• Experience with cell culture including primary cells and stem cells.
• Hands-on expertise with gene editing technologies (CRISPR/Cas9) and viral/non‑viral gene delivery methods.
• Proficiency in a range of molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Experience with data analysis software and tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimise, and execute complex biological experiments related to cell and gene therapy development.
• Perform in vitro assays to evaluate the efficacy, potency, and safety of therapeutic candidates.
• Culture and manipulate primary human cells, stem cells, and genetically modified cell lines.
• Utilise molecular biology techniques such as PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and flow cytometry.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data, drawing sound conclusions and proposing next steps.
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges and develop robust protocols.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including molecular biologists, immunologists, and process development scientists.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and contribute to reports, presentations, and publications.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication

Independent and collaborative

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, or related

Tools

CRISPR/Cas9

Flow cytometry

PCR

Western blotting

ELISA

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Biologist to join our client’s research team in Kimberley, South Africa. The role focuses on advancing cell and gene therapy candidates through experimental design, data analysis, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.

The successful candidate will lead complex experiments, culture primary cells and stem cells, and employ CRISPR/Cas9 and related delivery methods. Strong communication and independent work style are essential.