Lead Biophysicist - Structural Analysis

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Generous leave & holidays

Leadership development

Access to advanced facilities

Relocation assistance

Conference support

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks a visionary Lead Biophysicist to spearhead the structural analysis division. You will lead biophysical experiments (X-ray, cryo-EM, NMR) to elucidate structures of proteins and small molecules, driving drug discovery and development in a collaborative, world-class team.

You will mentor researchers, manage timelines and resources, and contribute to high-impact publications while ensuring safety and strategic alignment with the company’s R&D goals.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biophysics, Structural Biology, Biochemistry or closely related field.
• 8+ years of post-doctoral experience in biophysics & structural biology.
• Hands-on with X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, NMR.
• Expertise in SPR, ITC, CD spectroscopy & fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Proven leadership in guiding and building a scientific team.
• Strong protein expression, purification & characterization background.
• Proficiency in relevant data analysis software & modeling tools.
• Excellent communication and collaboration in fast-paced teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, execution & interpretation of biophysical experiments to define structure/function of biomolecules.
• Develop and implement novel biophysical methodologies (X-ray, cryo-EM, NMR, SPR, ITC).
• Oversee operation & maintenance of advanced biophysical instrumentation.
• Mentor and train a team of biophysicists and research associates in George, Western Cape.
• Collaborate with computational chemistry, structural biology & drug discovery teams.
• Contribute to publications and present findings at international conferences.
• Manage project timelines & resources for the biophysics department.
• Ensure adherence to lab safety protocols and best practices.
• Contribute to strategic direction of R&D efforts within the company.

Skills

X-ray crystallography

Cryo-EM

NMR spectroscopy

SPR

ITC

Protein expression & purification

Data analysis software & structural

Leadership & mentoring

Education

PhD in Biophysics, Structural Biology, Biochemistry or related

Tools

Software for data analysis & modeling

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering biotechnology firm located in the vibrant city of George, Western Cape, is seeking an exceptional Lead Biophysicist to spearhead their structural analysis division. This pivotal role involves investigating the intricate structures of novel therapeutic compounds and biological molecules using advanced biophysical techniques. You will be at the forefront of drug discovery and development, contributing critical insights that drive therapeutic innovation. The position offers a unique opportunity to leverage advanced instrumentation and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of world-class scientists and researchers. Our client is dedicated to fostering a culture of scientific curiosity and innovation within the beautiful landscape of the Western Cape. This role is critical for advancing our understanding of molecular interactions and their implications for human health, making a significant impact in the field of pharmaceutical research and development. We are searching for a visionary leader passionate about unraveling molecular mysteries and committed to advancing scientific frontiers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of biophysical experiments to determine the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules.
• Develop and implement novel biophysical methodologies, including X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), NMR spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC).
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of advanced biophysical instrumentation.
• Analyze and interpret complex structural biology data, contributing to mechanistic understanding of biological processes and drug interactions.
• Supervise, mentor, and train a team of biophysicists and research associates in George, Western Cape.
• Collaborate closely with computational chemistry, structural biology, and drug discovery teams to integrate structural insights into project strategies.
• Author and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and present findings at international scientific conferences.
• Manage project timelines and resource allocation for the biophysics department.
• Ensure adherence to all laboratory safety protocols and best practices.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of research and development efforts within the company.

Requirements

• A PhD in Biophysics, Structural Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field with a strong emphasis on structural analysis techniques.
• A minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience in biophysics and structural biology, demonstrating a track record of significant contributions.
• Extensive hands-on experience with multiple advanced structural determination techniques (e.g., X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, NMR).
• Proven expertise in biophysical characterization methods such as SPR, ITC, CD spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Demonstrated success in leading and managing a scientific team.
• Strong understanding of protein expression, purification, and characterization.
• Proficiency in relevant data analysis software and structural modeling tools.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to present complex scientific information effectively.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry is highly preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment in George, Western Cape.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous annual leave and company holidays.
• Opportunities for leadership development and career advancement.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment.
• A stimulating and collaborative work environment in George.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Support for attending scientific conferences and continuous professional training.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.