Principal Research Scientist - Immunology

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

State-of-the-art facilities

Professional development

Retirement fund contributions

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a Principal Research Scientist specializing in Immunology to drive immunotherapeutic research and development. This senior leadership role sets scientific direction, designs experiments, and mentors a team of scientists.

You will advance novel treatments for immune-related diseases, lead strategic project planning, analyze data for stakeholder boards and conferences, and stay at the forefront of immunology research in KwaZulu-Natal.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral and/or industry experience in immunology research.
• Extensive hands-on experience with flow cytometry, ELISA, western blotting, and cell-based assays.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research teams and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of complex immunological research studies.
• Develop and validate novel assays for immune cell function, cytokine profiles, and cellular interactions.
• Provide expert scientific leadership and mentorship to a team of researchers and laboratory staff.
• Drive the strategic planning and prioritization of research projects within the immunology portfolio.
• Analyze and present complex experimental data to internal stakeholders and conferences.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in immunology and translate new knowledge into research strategies.

Skills

Flow cytometry

ELISA

Western blotting

Cell-based assays

Scientific leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Immunology or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively recruiting a Principal Research Scientist with a specialization in Immunology to join their esteemed research team in Durban . This senior leadership role is instrumental in driving forward innovative immunotherapeutic research and development programs. You will be responsible for setting the scientific direction for key projects, leading experimental design, and providing expert guidance to a dedicated team of scientists. The successful candidate will contribute significantly to the advancement of novel treatments for immune-related diseases, leveraging their deep understanding of immunological mechanisms within the dynamic research landscape of KwaZulu-Natal .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, execution, and interpretation of complex immunological research studies focused on disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.
• Develop and validate novel assays for assessing immune cell function, cytokine profiles, and cellular interactions.
• Provide expert scientific leadership and mentorship to a team of researchers and laboratory staff.
• Drive the strategic planning and prioritization of research projects within the immunology portfolio.
• Analyze and present complex experimental data to internal stakeholders, scientific advisory boards, and at international conferences.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in immunology and translate new knowledge into research strategies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral and/or industry experience in immunology research.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with a broad range of immunological techniques, including flow cytometry, ELISA, western blotting, and cell‑based assays.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong publication record in high‑impact peer‑reviewed journals.
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.

Benefits

• An attractive salary commensurate with experience, plus performance incentives.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art immunology research facilities and cutting‑edge technologies.
• Support for professional development, including conference attendance and training opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• An intellectually stimulating and collaborative work environment in Durban .