Principal Scientist - Synthetic Biology

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Hybrid work arrangement

Career development & conference access

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Scientist in Synthetic Biology in Pretoria to lead the design and optimization of novel biological systems. You will mentor a team of researchers, guide projects from concept to validation, and contribute to strategic planning while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.

The role demands a PhD, 8+ years in synthetic biology, hands-on genetic engineering expertise, and strong data analysis capabilities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant research experience in synthetic biology.
• Extensive hands-on experience with diverse genetic engineering tools and methodologies.
• Strong understanding of metabolic and protein engineering.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics and genome analysis tools.
• Proven ability to manage research teams and projects.
• Excellent scientific communication and presentation skills.
• Industrial R&D experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, construction, and characterization of synthetic biological circuits and organisms.
• Develop and implement advanced genetic engineering techniques (CRISPR, gene synthesis, metabolic engineering).
• Manage research projects from conception through to validation and scale-up.
• Supervise and mentor a team of scientists and research associates.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data using bioinformatics and statistics.
• Collaborate with chemists, engineers, and computational biologists.

Skills

Leadership of research teams

Scientific communication

Problem-solving

Education

PhD in Synthetic Biology or related field

Tools

Bioinformatics tools

Genome analysis tools

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leader in cutting‑edge biotechnological research, is seeking an exceptional Principal Scientist in Synthetic Biology to join their team in Pretoria, Gauteng. This senior role is critical for driving innovation in the design, construction, and optimization of novel biological systems. You will lead ambitious research projects, contribute to strategic planning, and mentor a team of dedicated researchers. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of molecular biology, genetic engineering, and systems biology, coupled with a proven ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical applications. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of synthetic biology and make a substantial impact on developing sustainable solutions across various industries, from healthcare to agriculture. We are looking for a scientifically curious and driven individual to join our collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, construction, and characterization of novel synthetic biological circuits and organisms.
• Develop and implement advanced genetic engineering techniques, including CRISPR, gene synthesis, and metabolic engineering.
• Manage research projects from conception through to experimental validation and scale‑up.
• Supervise and mentor a team of scientists and research associates, fostering a collaborative and productive research environment.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, utilizing bioinformatics tools and statistical methods.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including chemists, engineers, and computational biologists.
• Author high‑quality scientific publications and present findings at international conferences.
• Contribute to intellectual property strategy and patent filings.
• Ensure adherence to all laboratory safety and regulatory standards.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant research experience, with a significant portion in synthetic biology, and demonstrated experience in leading research projects.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with diverse genetic engineering tools and methodologies.
• Strong understanding of metabolic engineering, protein engineering, and pathway design.
• Proficiency in bioinformatics, genome analysis, and relevant software tools.
• Proven ability to manage research teams and projects effectively, delivering results within timelines.
• Excellent scientific communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated creativity and problem‑solving capabilities in a research setting.
• Experience in industrial R&D or a related commercial environment is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry‑leading salary package, commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive health insurance, retirement contributions, and performance bonuses. Professional development is highly valued, with opportunities for attending scientific conferences, workshops, and continuing education. This role is based in our state‑of‑the‑art facility in Pretoria, Gauteng, offering a stimulating work environment and a hybrid work arrangement to promote work‑life balance. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence, providing a platform for impactful career growth.