Biochemist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Biochemist to join a dedicated Drug Discovery team in Centurion, SA. You will design and optimize assays, purify proteins, and investigate mechanism of action to advance drug candidates.

The role requires a PhD/MA in Biochemistry or Biophysics, with hands-on experience in assay development, purification, and kinetics. You will work in a state-of-the-art lab and collaborate closely with chemists and biologists.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field.
• Proven experience in assay development and target validation for drug discovery.
• Expertise in protein purification, characterization, and enzyme kinetics.
• Proficiency with SPR, ITC, FP, and HTRF.
• Strong data analysis skills and software experience.
• Strong problem-solving and scientific excellence.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute biochemical and biophysical assays to identify drug candidates.
• Investigate mechanism of action and interactions with biological targets.
• Purify and characterize proteins and biomolecules for screening and validation.
• Analyze data and generate comprehensive reports.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to advance programs.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Assay development

Protein purification

Enzyme kinetics

Data analysis

Education

Biochemistry/Biophysics advanced degree

Tools

SPR

ITC

FP

HTRF

Job description

About the Role Our client is seeking a talented and experienced Biochemist to join their dedicated Drug Discovery team based in Centurion. This role is crucial for identifying and validating novel drug targets and developing innovative therapeutic strategies. You will work hands-on in a state-of-the-art laboratory, contributing to critical research that aims to address unmet medical needs. The successful candidate will be a driven scientist with a strong understanding of biochemical pathways and assay development, eager to make a tangible impact on human health. This position offers an excellent opportunity to advance your career within a leading research organization that values scientific rigor and collaborative innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and execute biochemical and biophysical assays to identify and characterize drug candidates.
• Investigate the mechanism of action of potential therapeutics and their interaction with biological targets.
• Purify and characterize proteins and other biomolecules for use in screening and validation studies.
• Analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical methods and generate comprehensive reports.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to advance drug discovery programs.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and adhere to all safety and regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a closely related field.
• Proven experience in assay development and execution for drug discovery, with a focus on target validation.
• Strong expertise in protein purification, characterization, and enzyme kinetics.
• Proficiency with various biochemical and biophysical techniques (e.g., SPR, ITC, FP, HTRF).
• Excellent data analysis skills and experience with relevant software packages.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a commitment to scientific excellence.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and technologies.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development in a stimulating environment.