Senior Protein Biochemist - Enzyme Engineering

Placements24; East End (United States Virgin Islands); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Hybrid work model

State-of-the-art labs

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a biotechnology client in Welkom with a Senior Protein Biochemist role focused on enzyme engineering. You will lead design, characterization, and optimization of novel enzymes for industrial biotech, balancing on-site lab work with remote tasks.

The role requires a PhD with 5+ years in enzyme engineering, directed evolution or rational design, and hands-on purification and assays. Hybrid work and relocation support are noted.

Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical engineering, focused on protein/enzyme engineering.
• At least 5 years post-PhD in enzyme engineering or protein biochemistry.
• Experience with directed evolution or rational design.
• Proficiency in enzyme activity assays.
• Hands-on recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization.
• Strong understanding of enzyme kinetics and structure-function.

Responsibilities

• Lead enzyme engineering projects to improve activity, stability, and specificity.
• Design and run rational design and directed evolution experiments.
• Develop high-throughput assays for enzyme function.
• Characterize kinetics and mechanisms using biochemical/biophysical methods.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists and process engineers to optimize production.
• Present findings to internal teams and at conferences.
• Contribute to patents, publications, and reports.
• Maintain safe lab environment at Welkom site.
• Troubleshoot experiments and propose solutions.

Skills

Protein engineering

Directed evolution

Biochemical assays

Recombinant protein expression

Enzyme kinetics

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Hybrid work

Industrial enzymes

Education

PhD in Biochemistry / Molecular Biology / Chemical Engineering

Tools

Chromatography

Protein purification

Biophysical techniques

Data analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic biotechnology company situated in Welkom, Free State , is actively seeking a Senior Protein Biochemist with specialized expertise in enzyme engineering. This pivotal role involves the design, characterization, and optimization of novel enzymes for applications in industrial biotechnology. You will lead research initiatives aimed at enhancing enzyme activity, stability, and specificity through rational design and directed evolution approaches. This is a hybrid position, allowing for a balance between essential on-site laboratory work at our Welkom facility and focused work that can be conducted remotely. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of protein structure-function relationships and hands-on experience with biochemical assays and protein modification techniques. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to translate fundamental biochemical research into tangible biotechnological solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of sustainable and innovative bio-based products.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead projects focused on the engineering of enzymes for improved performance characteristics (e.g., activity, stability, substrate specificity).
• Design and execute experiments utilizing rational design and directed evolution strategies.
• Develop and validate high-throughput screening assays for enzyme function and properties.
• Characterize enzyme kinetics and mechanisms using a range of biochemical and biophysical techniques.
• Purify and analyze recombinant proteins using chromatographic and electrophoretic methods.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists and process engineers to optimize enzyme production and application.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, presenting findings to internal teams and potentially at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the preparation of patents, publications, and research reports.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and propose innovative solutions.
• Maintain a safe and organized laboratory environment in accordance with company policies at our Welkom site.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field with a strong focus on protein/enzyme engineering.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industrial experience in enzyme engineering and protein biochemistry.
• Proven experience with directed evolution techniques and/or rational protein design.
• Expertise in designing and implementing various biochemical and enzyme activity assays.
• Hands-on experience with recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization.
• Strong understanding of enzyme kinetics, thermodynamics, and protein structure-function relationships.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation using relevant software packages.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, demonstrating strong organizational and time management skills.
• Experience with industrial enzyme applications is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits program.
• This includes medical coverage, retirement contributions, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
• The hybrid work model provides flexibility, and the research environment is highly collaborative and innovative.
• Employees have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in Welkom .
• We support our employees' career progression through training and exposure to cutting-edge research in industrial biotechnology.
• Assistance for relocation to the Welkom area may be provided.