Molecular Diagnostics Research Scientist — NGS & PCR

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based bonuses

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Biotechnology Research Scientist for a state-of-the-art facility in Tembisa, Gauteng. The role focuses on designing and executing complex molecular biology experiments to advance diagnostic tools and therapies.

You will be part of a multidisciplinary team driving excellence in healthcare biotechnology, with opportunities to publish, present findings, and contribute to product development within a regulated lab environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or MSc in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, or related life science discipline.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology techniques (minimum 5 years).
• Proven expertise in assay development, validation and optimization for diagnostics.
• Strong understanding of genetic principles and their diagnostic applications.
• Experience with NGS library preparation and data analysis is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with bioinformatics tools relevant to molecular data analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and ability to work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize molecular assays and diagnostic platforms for disease biomarkers.
• Conduct laboratory research: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, NGS, and other molecular techniques.
• Analyze large datasets from high-throughput screening and diagnostic assays.
• Validate new technologies and protocols for accuracy, reproducibility, and clinical utility.
• Collaborate with bioinformaticians, clinical specialists, and product development managers.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and maintain research progress.
• Contribute to writing research reports, patents, and publications.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety regulations and quality systems.
• Present findings at internal meetings and scientific conferences.

Education

Ph.D./MSc in Molecular Biology or related

Tools

NGS library prep

Bioinformatics software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Biotechnology Research Scientist for a state-of-the-art facility in Tembisa, Gauteng. The role focuses on designing and executing complex molecular biology experiments to advance diagnostic tools and therapies.

You will be part of a multidisciplinary team driving excellence in healthcare biotechnology, with opportunities to publish, present findings, and contribute to product development within a regulated lab environment.