Principal Neuroscience Research Scientist (On-site)

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

Lab start‑up funds

Protected time for grant writing

Access to core facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Research Scientist to lead a premier neuroscience program in Nelspruit. You will drive independent research, design advanced experiments, and mentor a diverse team of scientists in a world‑class facility.

The role emphasizes securing extramural funding, publishing in high‑impact journals, and guiding strategic scientific direction while collaborating across institutes and with external partners.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• A minimum of 10 years post‑doctoral research experience with a strong record of independent productivity and extramural funding.
• Demonstrated expertise in a neuroscience sub‑specialty (e.g., neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, neurodegeneration, neural circuits).
• Experience leading a research laboratory and mentoring teams.
• Strong grant writing and publication track record.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent research programs on molecular/cellular mechanisms of neurological disorders.
• Design and execute complex experiments using state‑of‑the‑art techniques.
• Supervise and mentor postdocs, researchers, and technicians.
• Develop and submit grant proposals to secure external funding.
• Publish findings and present at international meetings.

Skills

Scientific leadership

Grant writing

Mentoring

Collaboration

Excellent communication

Education

Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related field

Tools

Molecular biology techniques

Advanced microscopy

Electrophysiology

Genomics

Proteomics

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Research Scientist to lead a premier neuroscience program in Nelspruit. You will drive independent research, design advanced experiments, and mentor a diverse team of scientists in a world‑class facility.

The role emphasizes securing extramural funding, publishing in high‑impact journals, and guiding strategic scientific direction while collaborating across institutes and with external partners.