Lead Structural Biologist

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Retirement contributions

Conference attendance support

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Structural Biologist at our Benoni, Gauteng facility. The role directs cutting-edge research to determine 3D structures of macromolecules involved in disease pathways, using X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM.

You will lead a team of scientists, oversee expression and purification, manage budgets, and collaborate with biochemists and pharmacologists in a hybrid work model that combines on-site lab work with remote analysis.

Qualifications

• PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of post-doctoral or independent research experience with strong publications.
• Extensive hands-on experience with X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-EM.
• Proven ability to express, purify, and crystallize/prepare proteins for structural determination.
• Proficiency with structure determination software and molecular graphics programs.
• Experience in leading and managing a scientific team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct structural biology research focusing on protein structure determination.
• Oversee protein expression, purification, and crystallization/sample preparation.
• Manage access to state-of-the-art structural biology facilities.
• Analyse and interpret structural data to elucidate molecular mechanisms.
• Collaborate with biochemists, cell biologists, and pharmacologists.
• Mentor junior scientists and postdocs.
• Manage research projects including budget, resources, and timelines.
• Contribute to high-impact publications and present at conferences.
• Ensure safety and lab best practices.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies in structural biology.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Structural Biology or related field

Tools

X-ray crystallography

Cryo-EM

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a world-renowned research institute focused on molecular medicine, is seeking an accomplished Lead Structural Biologist to direct critical research efforts. This role, based at our state-of-the-art facility in **Benoni, Gauteng**, will involve determining the three-dimensional structures of key biological macromolecules involved in disease pathways. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in techniques such as X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), coupled with strong leadership and project management skills. This hybrid position allows for a blend of intensive laboratory work and data analysis/collaboration from a remote or office-based setting. You will lead a team of talented scientists and contribute significantly to our understanding of biological mechanisms.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct cutting-edge structural biology research, focusing on protein structure determination using X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM.
• Oversee protein expression, purification, and crystallization/sample preparation for structural studies.
• Manage access to and operation of state-of-the-art structural biology facilities.
• Analyse and interpret complex structural data to elucidate molecular mechanisms of action.
• Collaborate with biochemists, cell biologists, and pharmacologists to integrate structural insights into broader research programs.
• Guide and mentor junior scientists and postdoctoral fellows in structural biology techniques and data analysis.
• Manage research projects, including budget planning, resource allocation, and timeline management.
• Contribute to high-impact publications in leading scientific journals and present findings at international conferences.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and laboratory best practices.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies in structural biology.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral or independent research experience in structural biology, with a strong publication record.
• Extensive hands-on experience with X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).
• Proven ability to express, purify, and crystallize/prepare proteins for structural determination.
• Proficiency in structure determination software and molecular graphics programs.
• Experience in leading and managing a scientific team.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a rigorous scientific approach.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with synchrotron radiation facilities and/or cryo-EM facilities is essential.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, managing on-site lab work and remote analysis/collaboration.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including medical coverage and retirement contributions, and substantial support for professional development and conference attendance.
• You will have access to cutting-edge structural biology equipment and a collaborative research environment.
• This role offers the opportunity to make significant contributions to our understanding of biological processes and disease.
• Located in **Benoni, Gauteng**, this position provides a challenging yet rewarding career in a leading scientific institution.
• We value work-life balance and offer generous leave allowances.