Principal Research Scientist - Immunology (Remote-First)

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 2,964,000 - 4,281,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Remote-first

Professional development

Stock options

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Research Scientist in Immunology to lead remote, globally distributed projects focused on immune mechanisms and novel immunotherapies. You will design advanced assays, analyze complex data, and guide a team of scientists across borders, shaping the direction of our immunology program.

You will mentor researchers, collaborate with bioinformaticians and drug discovery teams, and contribute to publications and conferences, all while maintaining a remote‑first

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology or related life science discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of post‑doctoral research experience in immunology with strong publication record.
• Experience leading projects and mentoring scientists, preferably remotely.
• Hands‑on experience with a wide array of immunological techniques.
• Deep understanding of innate and adaptive immunity and T cell biology.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent research projects on immune mechanisms and targets.
• Design and execute complex immunological assays (flow, cytokines, cell profiling).
• Interpret and present data to internal teams and collaborators.
• Mentor junior scientists and fellows.
• Collaborate with computational biologists and drug discovery teams.
• Publish high‑impact scientific papers and present at international conferences.
• Contribute to strategic direction of the immunology department within a remote framework.

Skills

Immunology expertise

Mentorship

Scientific communication

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD in Immunology or related life sciences

Tools

Flow cytometry

Cytokine analysis

In vitro/ex vivo assays

Bioinformatics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazing biopharmaceutical company dedicated to revolutionizing treatments for immune-related diseases, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Research Scientist with deep expertise in Immunology to join our fully remote, globally distributed research team. This senior position is instrumental in driving the discovery and development of novel immunotherapies. As a remote-first organization, we offer the flexibility to work from anywhere, supported by a robust digital infrastructure that fosters seamless collaboration and scientific exchange. The Principal Research Scientist will lead cutting-edge research projects, design innovative experimental strategies, interpret complex immunological data, and mentor a team of talented scientists. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of immunology research and contribute to life-changing therapies from a remote location, driving significant advancements in patient care without geographical limitations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead independent research projects focused on understanding immune mechanisms and identifying novel therapeutic targets for immune-related disorders.
• Design and execute complex in vitro and ex vivo immunological assays, including cell-based assays, flow cytometry, cytokine analysis, and immune cell profiling.
• Interpret and present complex immunological data to internal teams and external collaborators.
• Mentor and guide junior research scientists and fellows, fostering their scientific growth.
• Develop and implement novel experimental approaches to investigate immune responses.
• Collaborate closely with computational biologists, drug discovery team, and clinical development experts.
• Author high-impact scientific publications and present findings at leading international conferences.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in immunology, immunotherapy, and related fields.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the immunology research department within a remote framework.

Requirements

• PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of post-doctoral research experience in immunology, with a strong publication record in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and mentor junior scientists, preferably in a remote or hybrid setting.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with a wide array of immunological techniques.
• Deep understanding of innate and adaptive immunity, T cell biology, cytokine signaling, and immune-mediated diseases.
• Proven ability to design and execute complex experiments, interpret data, and troubleshoot effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong presentation abilities.
• Experience with bioinformatics and statistical analysis of immunological data is highly desirable.
• Must be a self-starter, highly organized, and able to work independently in a remote environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and potential for stock options.
• We foster a flexible, remote-first work environment that values work-life balance and individual autonomy.
• Professional development opportunities, including support for attending conferences and continuing education, are readily available.
• Employees contribute to groundbreaking research with the potential to significantly impact patient lives.