Lead Molecular Biologist

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Health insurance

Retirement plan with company match

Professional development and training

State-of-the-art laboratory facilities

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Molecular Biologist in Polokwane, South Africa to head the molecular biology research efforts. The role involves leading a team, designing and executing advanced assays, and guiding R&D programs to progress therapeutic discovery.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a life sciences field with 7+ years of molecular biology experience, strong leadership, and hands-on skills across PCR, qPCR, cloning, Western blotting and cell-based assays, plus exposure to NGS data

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in a life science field (Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics)
• Minimum 7 years post-PhD experience in molecular biology research
• Proven leadership and mentoring experience of scientific teams
• Hands-on experience with PCR, qPCR, cloning, Western blotting and cell-based assays
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis is highly desirable

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of molecular biologists in a fast-growing biotech setting
• Design, optimize and execute molecular assays and protocols
• Oversee key research projects and ensure timely progression of programs
• Analyze complex data and guide future research directions
• Contribute to therapeutic strategy development and target identification
• Manage lab resources and ensure safety and compliance
• Present findings to internal teams and at conferences
• Contribute to patent applications and publications

Skills

Leadership experience

Data analysis

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Genetics

Tools

PCR

qPCR

Cloning

Western blotting

Cell-based assays

NGS technologies

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing biotechnology company in Polokwane, is seeking an experienced and driven Lead Molecular Biologist to head their molecular biology research efforts. This senior role is instrumental in driving the discovery and development of novel therapeutics. The successful candidate will lead a team of scientists, manage research projects, and contribute significantly to the company's scientific strategy. You will be responsible for designing and executing cutting-edge experiments, analyzing data, and ensuring the successful progression of R&D programs. This is an exciting opportunity to make a substantial impact within a dynamic and innovative organization situated in Polokwane, contributing to advancements in the field of molecular medicine.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of molecular biologists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing research environment.
• Design, develop, and optimize molecular assays and experimental protocols.
• Oversee the execution of key research projects, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, drawing conclusions and making recommendations for future research directions.
• Contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies and target identification.
• Manage laboratory resources, including equipment, reagents, and supplies.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards and regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare and present research findings to internal teams, management, and at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to patent applications and scientific publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in molecular biology research.
• Proven experience in leading and mentoring scientific teams.
• Extensive hands-on experience with a wide range of molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, cloning, Western blotting, and cell-based assays.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and data analysis is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of gene regulation, cellular signaling pathways, and disease mechanisms.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team in Polokwane.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Generous opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in Polokwane.
• A stimulating work environment with a focus on scientific innovation and career growth.