Senior Biophysicist (Structural Biology)

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 73,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Job summary

Placements24’s client, a renowned research organization, seeks a Senior Biophysicist (Structural Biology) to join their Upington, Northern Cape laboratory. You will lead projects to determine three-dimensional structures of biomacromolecules and explore their functional implications.

You will oversee protein expression, purification, crystallization, and structure determination by X-ray, cryo-EM, or NMR, while mentoring junior staff and publishing findings in high-impact journals.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Structural Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• 5–7+ years post-doctoral or industry experience in structural biology.
• Hands-on with X-ray, cryo-EM, or NMR for structure determination.
• Experience in protein expression, purification, and characterization.
• Proficiency in structural data analysis and modeling software.
• Strong understanding of structure–function relationships.
• Excellent problem-solving and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication; collaborative team player.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects to determine structures of key biological macromolecules.
• Optimize protocols for protein expression, purification, and characterization.
• Perform structural determination using X-ray, cryo-EM, or NMR.
• Analyze data, build models, and interpret functional significance.
• Collaborate with biochemists, molecular biologists, and computational scientists.
• Develop and implement novel structural biology methods.
• Maintain and operate state-of-the-art biophysical instrumentation.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals.
• Present findings at conferences and symposia.

Skills

Protein expression

Protein purification

X-ray crystallography

Cryo-EM

NMR spectroscopy

Molecular modeling

Structural biology

Data analysis

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Biophysics / Structural Biology / Biochemistry

Tools

Crystal structure software

Molecular modeling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned research organization focused on molecular mechanisms of disease, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Biophysicist specializing in Structural Biology to join their advanced laboratory in Upington, Northern Cape . This role is central to elucidating the three-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules and understanding their functional implications. You will lead projects involving protein expression, purification, crystallization, and structural determination using techniques such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, or NMR spectroscopy. We are seeking an expert biophysicist with a proven ability to solve complex structural biology challenges and contribute to drug discovery and fundamental biological research.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects aimed at determining the structures of key biological macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, complexes).
• Optimize protocols for protein expression, purification, and characterization.
• Perform structural determination using advanced biophysical techniques (e.g., X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, NMR).
• Analyze structural data, build models, and interpret the functional significance of molecular structures.
• Collaborate with biochemists, molecular biologists, and computational scientists to integrate structural findings.
• Develop and implement novel structural biology methodologies.
• Maintain and operate state-of-the-art biophysical instrumentation.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians in structural biology techniques.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and symposia.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Structural Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of post-doctoral or industry research experience in structural biology.
• Extensive hands-on experience with at least one major structural determination technique (X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, or NMR).
• Proven expertise in protein expression, purification, and characterization.
• Proficiency in structural data analysis and molecular modeling software.
• Strong understanding of the principles of protein structure-function relationships.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex scientific data.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Experience with computational methods in structural biology is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans. We provide excellent opportunities for professional development, including funding for specialized training, workshops, and attendance at international conferences. Employees will have access to cutting-edge structural biology facilities and advanced instrumentation. This role in Upington, Northern Cape , offers a unique opportunity to contribute to fundamental biological discoveries and therapeutic development in a stimulating research environment. We are committed to fostering scientific innovation and career growth.