Lead Scientist, Infectious Diseases Research

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings options

Professional development support

State-of-the-art lab facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein seeks a Senior Research Scientist specialized in Infectious Diseases to lead projects on pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

You will mentor junior researchers, publish in high-impact journals, present at conferences, collaborate with public health partners, and contribute to grant applications in a well-equipped laboratory.

Qualifications

• PhD in life sciences required.
• 5+ years post‑doc or industry experience in infectious diseases.
• Demonstrated pathogen-host interaction research.
• Hands-on experience with PCR, qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, flow cytometry, cell‑based assays.
• Experience with animal models is a plus.
• Strong publication record.
• Ability to manage projects and mentor staff.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct research on molecular mechanisms of infectious diseases.
• Lead projects and collaborate with internal teams and external partners.
• Publish in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Contribute to grant applications to secure funding.
• Mentor junior researchers and technicians.

Skills

Molecular biology

Infectious disease research

Data analysis

Project management

Mentoring

Presentation skills

Education

PhD in Microbiology/Virology/Immunology

Tools

PCR/qPCR

Flow cytometry

Western blotting

ELISA

Cell culture

Job description

Placements24 in Bloemfontein seeks a Senior Research Scientist specialized in Infectious Diseases to lead projects on pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

You will mentor junior researchers, publish in high-impact journals, present at conferences, collaborate with public health partners, and contribute to grant applications in a well-equipped laboratory.