Principal Scientist - Molecular Diagnostics

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote position

Comprehensive health, life, and disa b

Stock options

Professional development opportunities

Career advancement in leadership

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Principal Scientist in Molecular Diagnostics. This remote, leadership role focuses on conceiving and executing advanced diagnostic assays and platforms to advance patient care from discovery to potential clinical application.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD with 8+ years in molecular biology, excels in data analysis, and mentors multi-disciplinary teams while driving innovation in a remote-first environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field.
• 8+ years in molecular biology research with diagnostic assay development.
• Experience with PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, sequencing, extraction, and microarrays.
• Strong data analysis and regulatory awareness.
• Leadership and remote-team mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of novel molecular diagnostics assays.
• Design and optimize protocols for amplification, detection, and analysis.
• Oversee validation per regulatory guidelines.
• Mentor scientists and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Contribute to IP via publications and patents.

Skills

PCR

qPCR

ddPCR

Nucleic acid extraction

Sequencing

Microarrays

Leadership

Mentoring

Data analysis

Regulatory awareness

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology / Biochemistry / Genetics or related field

Tools

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in medical technology, is seeking a distinguished Principal Scientist with expertise in Molecular Diagnostics to join their advanced research and development division. This is a critical, fully remote leadership role focused on pioneering new diagnostic assays and platforms that will revolutionize patient care. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and executing complex research projects, driving innovation from the laboratory bench to potential clinical application. The ideal candidate will possess a deep scientific understanding of molecular biology, assay development, and data analysis, coupled with a proven ability to lead scientific initiatives and mentor teams. If you are passionate about developing groundbreaking diagnostic solutions and thrive in a dynamic, remote-first environment, this opportunity in Pretoria, Gauteng is for you. You will be integral in shaping the future of diagnostic medicine.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of novel molecular diagnostic assays for infectious diseases, oncology, and genetic disorders.


• Design and optimize experimental protocols for nucleic acid amplification, detection, and analysis.


• Oversee the validation of diagnostic assays according to regulatory guidelines.


• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, providing critical insights for project progression.


• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, product development, and regulatory affairs.


• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and technologies in molecular diagnostics.


• Mentor and guide junior scientists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.


• Contribute to intellectual property generation through patent filings and publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field.


• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in molecular biology research, with a strong emphasis on diagnostic assay development.


• Extensive experience with various molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, nucleic acid extraction, sequencing, and microarrays.


• Proven track record of successfully developing and validating diagnostic assays.


• Strong understanding of bioinformatics tools and databases relevant to molecular diagnostics.


• Experience with data analysis and statistical interpretation of experimental results.


• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.


• Ability to work independently and lead research efforts effectively in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Exceptional annual salary package of ZAR.


• Fully remote position, offering unparalleled work-life flexibility.


• Comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance.


• Generous stock options and performance-based bonuses.


• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership.


• Access to cutting-edge research tools and virtual collaboration platforms.


• Support for professional development, including conferences and training.