Senior Synthetic Biologist

Placements24; Greater London; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Synthetic Biologist to join its East London research team. You will design and build novel genetic circuits and metabolic pathways, employing CRISPR and cloning techniques to advance biotech applications in manufacturing, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

You will lead projects, mentor researchers, and contribute to publishing findings. The role requires a PhD and at least five years post‑doc or industry experience in synthetic biology, with strong computational design

Qualifications

• PhD in Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Microbiology, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of post‑doctoral or industry experience in synthetic biology research.
• Proven experience designing and constructing complex genetic constructs and pathways.
• Hands‑on experience with gene cloning, PCR, and protein expression.
• Familiarity with CRISPR/Cas9 and genome engineering is required or highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and construct genetic circuits, pathways, and microbial strains.
• Use molecular biology techniques for gene synthesis, cloning, and editing (CRISPR).
• Develop high‑throughput screening and characterization methods.
• Integrate computational tools into the workflow.
• Lead projects and mentor junior researchers.

Skills

Genetic design

Molecular biology

Computational design

Project leadership

Publications

Education

PhD in Synthetic Biology or related field

Tools

CRISPR/Cas9

Gene cloning

PCR

Protein expression

Genome engineering

Design automation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative biotechnology company focused on developing sustainable solutions, is seeking a Senior Synthetic Biologist to join their research and development team in **East London**. This role is central to designing, building, and testing novel biological systems for applications in areas such as bio-based manufacturing, therapeutics, and diagnostics. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and computational tools for biological design. You will lead project teams, conceptualize new research directions, and contribute to the advancement of our client's pipeline in **East London, Eastern Cape**. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge biotechnology within a growing research hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and construct novel genetic circuits, metabolic pathways, and microbial strains for specific applications using synthetic biology principles.
• Utilize advanced molecular biology techniques for gene synthesis, cloning, and genome editing (e.g., CRISPR).
• Develop and implement high‑throughput screening and characterization methods for engineered biological systems.
• Integrate computational tools (e.g., modeling, design automation) into the synthetic biology workflow.
• Collaborate with chemists, engineers, and other scientists to translate laboratory findings into scalable processes.
• Manage research projects, including planning, execution, data analysis, and reporting.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in synthetic biology, molecular biology, and relevant fields.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and present research findings at scientific meetings.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety regulations and ethical research practices.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post‑doctoral or industry experience in synthetic biology research.
• Proven experience in designing and constructing complex genetic constructs and pathways.
• Hands‑on expertise with a wide range of molecular biology techniques, including gene cloning, PCR, and protein expression.
• Familiarity with genome engineering tools (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9).
• Experience with computational tools for biological design and analysis is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology and metabolism.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of publications.
• Willingness to work on‑site in **East London, Eastern Cape**.

Benefits

• competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and excellent opportunities for professional development, training, and attendance at key industry conferences.
• You will work in a modern laboratory with access to advanced synthetic biology tools and technologies.
• This role is on‑site in **East London**, facilitating crucial lab‑based research and teamwork.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Join our client and contribute to shaping the future of biotechnology.