Lead Biophysicist

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development

Access to state-of-the-art biophysical

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, is seeking a Lead Biophysicist to spearhead investigations into the physical principles governing biological systems. You will lead a team of biophysicists, design advanced experiments, and translate data into drug discovery pipelines.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Biophysics or related field, has 7+ years post-PhD experience, and excels at cross-disciplinary collaboration, data analysis, and scientific communication.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biophysics, Physical Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of post-doctoral or industry biophysics experience.
• Proven expertise in designing and performing diverse biophysical experiments.
• Hands-on experience with advanced biophysical instrumentation and data analysis software.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology and biochemistry principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and mentor junior staff.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication with publications in the field.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, execution, and interpretation of biophysical experiments to characterize molecular interactions and cellular processes.
• Develop and implement novel biophysical methodologies and instrumentation.
• Employ techniques such as spectroscopy, NMR, ITC/DSC, Cryo-EM, AFM, and SPR.
• Analyze and model complex biophysical data to elucidate mechanisms and structure-function relationships.
• Collaborate with chemists, biologists, and computational scientists to integrate findings into broader programs.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates in the biophysics group.
• Contribute to publications, patents, and grant proposals.
• Stay updated on advancements in biophysics and related fields.
• Ensure the efficient operation of laboratory equipment.

Skills

Team leadership

Biophysics

Data analysis

Science communication

Education

PhD in Biophysics

Tools

Spectroscopy

NMR

Cryo-EM

AFM

SPR

ITC/DSC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge biotechnology company situated in Randburg, Gauteng, is seeking a dynamic Lead Biophysicist to spearhead investigations into the physical principles governing biological systems. This senior role is central to understanding molecular interactions, protein folding, and cellular mechanics, applying physical concepts and experimental techniques to solve biological problems. You will lead a team of biophysicists and researchers, design and implement advanced biophysical experiments, and interpret complex data to inform drug discovery and development pipelines. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of physics, chemistry, and biology, coupled with extensive experience in biophysical characterization techniques. This is a prime opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in Randburg, Gauteng, within the innovative Scientific Research & Development sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of biophysical experiments to characterize molecular interactions, protein dynamics, and cellular processes.


• Develop and implement novel biophysical methodologies and instrumentation.


• Employ a range of techniques such as spectroscopy (fluorescence, CD, NMR), calorimetry (ITC, DSC), microscopy (AFM, cryo-EM), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR).


• Analyze and model complex biophysical data to elucidate mechanisms of action and structure-function relationships.


• Collaborate with chemists, biologists, and computational scientists to integrate biophysical findings into broader research programs.


• Mentor and guide junior scientists and research associates in the biophysics group.


• Contribute to the preparation of scientific publications, patents, and grant proposals.


• Stay abreast of advancements in biophysics, molecular biology, and related fields.


• Ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of biophysical laboratory equipment.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Physical Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, or a related field.


• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in biophysics research.


• Proven expertise in designing and performing a variety of biophysical experiments.


• Hands-on experience with advanced biophysical instrumentation and data analysis software.


• Strong understanding of molecular biology and biochemistry principles.


• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and mentor junior staff.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a solid publication record.


• Experience in drug discovery or a related industrial setting is highly desirable.


• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.

Benefits

• competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development.


• Employees will have access to state-of-the-art biophysical instrumentation and facilities in Randburg, Gauteng.


• The company fosters a stimulating research environment and encourages scientific innovation, offering clear pathways for career advancement.