Remote Senior Research Scientist - Synthetic Biology

Placements24; Riverton (UT); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Health benefits

Professional development funding

Conference budgets

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Research Scientist in Synthetic Biology for a fully remote role. You will lead innovative projects designing and constructing novel biological systems for therapeutics, diagnostics, and industrial biotechnology, collaborating with a global team.

The ideal candidate has a PhD and 6+ years in synthetic biology, with proven leadership, publishing track record, and strong skills in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and experimental design.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Genetics, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral or relevant industrial research experience in synthetic biology.
• Proven expertise in designing and manipulating DNA constructs, gene expression systems, and microbial/cellular engineering.
• Strong experience with molecular biology techniques, including cloning, PCR, sequencing, and protein expression analysis.
• Proficiency in using bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis, pathway modeling, and data interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects, manage timelines, and deliver high-quality results.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a strong publication record.
• Experience working effectively in a remote collaborative environment is essential.
• Experience with metabolic engineering or protein engineering is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, construct, and characterize novel genetic circuits, metabolic pathways, and cellular systems using synthetic biology principles.
• Develop and implement high-throughput screening and experimental validation methods for engineered biological systems.
• Utilize bioinformatics tools and databases for sequence analysis, pathway modeling, and design optimization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including molecular biologists, biochemists, and engineers, to achieve project goals.
• Lead research projects from conceptualization through to experimental execution and data interpretation.
• Analyze complex biological data, draw meaningful conclusions, and present findings to internal teams and external collaborators.
• Author high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals and present research at scientific conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the development of the synthetic biology research strategy.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and responsible conduct of research.

Skills

Molecular biology

Genetic engineering

Bioinformatics

Experimental design

Scientific publishing

Remote collaboration

Leadership

Education

PhD in Synthetic Biology

Tools

Cloning

PCR

DNA sequencing

Protein expression analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Senior Research Scientist in Synthetic Biology for a fully remote position. You will lead cutting-edge research projects aimed at designing and constructing novel biological systems and functions for diverse applications, including therapeutics, diagnostics, and industrial biotechnology. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of molecular biology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and experimental design, coupled with a proven ability to lead research initiatives and publish impactful work. This role offers the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa while collaborating with a world-class team of scientists. We are committed to advancing the field of synthetic biology through rigorous research and creative problem-solving. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in a dynamic and collaborative remote environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, construct, and characterize novel genetic circuits, metabolic pathways, and cellular systems using synthetic biology principles.
• Develop and implement high-throughput screening and experimental validation methods for engineered biological systems.
• Utilize bioinformatics tools and databases for sequence analysis, pathway modeling, and design optimization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including molecular biologists, biochemists, and engineers, to achieve project goals.
• Lead research projects from conceptualization through to experimental execution and data interpretation.
• Analyze complex biological data, draw meaningful conclusions, and present findings to internal teams and external collaborators.
• Author high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals and present research at scientific conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the development of the synthetic biology research strategy.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and responsible conduct of research.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral or relevant industrial research experience in synthetic biology.
• Proven expertise in designing and manipulating DNA constructs, gene expression systems, and microbial/cellular engineering.
• Strong experience with molecular biology techniques, including cloning, PCR, sequencing, and protein expression analysis.
• Proficiency in using bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis, pathway modeling, and data interpretation.Demonstrated ability to lead research projects, manage timelines, and deliver high-quality results.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a strong publication record.
• Experience working effectively in a remote collaborative environment is essential.
• Experience with metabolic engineering or protein engineering is a plus.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and a flexible work schedule. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional development, including funding for conferences, workshops, and access to cutting-edge scientific literature. Our client fosters a collaborative and innovative research culture, providing the necessary tools and support for remote success. You will have the chance to work on transformative research projects at the forefront of synthetic biology and contribute to advancements that impact health and industry.