Principal Structural Biologist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life and disability coverage

Generous paid time off

Professional development support

State-of-the-art research facility in/

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Structural Biologist to join our biotechnology client in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will lead projects to determine high-resolution structures of biomolecules using X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and NMR, guiding experimental design and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

The role requires a PhD and at least 7 years of relevant experience, with a strong track record in structure determination, data analysis, and publication.

Qualifications

• PhD in Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in determining macromolecular structures.
• Hands-on experience in X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-EM, including data collection, processing, and structure solution/refinement.
• Proficiency with software for data analysis, structure determination, and visualization.
• Strong understanding of protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and biophysics.
• Experience with NMR spectroscopy is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a rigorous scientific approach.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to determine high-resolution structures of target proteins using X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and/or NMR.
• Optimize protein expression and purification strategies to obtain suitable material for structural studies.
• Solve and refine 3D structures, analyze structural data, and interpret findings in the context of biological function.
• Utilize computational tools for structure visualization, analysis, and modeling.
• Collaborate closely with computational chemists, biochemists, and biologists to integrate structural information into drug discovery programs.
• Lead structural biology efforts on key projects, guiding experimental design and troubleshooting.
• Mentor and supervise junior scientists and research associates.
• Author and co-author high-impact publications in leading scientific journals.
• Present research findings at international scientific meetings.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and technological innovations in structural biology and related fields.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and direction of structural biology research within the company.

Skills

X-ray crystallography

cryo-EM

NMR spectroscopy

Protein biochemistry

Molecular biology

Biophysics

Leadership

Mentoring

Publications

Education

PhD in Structural Biology

PhD in Biophysics

PhD in Biochemistry

PhD in related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading biotechnology innovator, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Structural Biologist to join their prestigious research team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This senior position is dedicated to unraveling the intricate three-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, using cutting-edge techniques like X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), and NMR spectroscopy. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of protein structure-function relationships and their implications in disease biology and drug development. You will lead ambitious structural biology projects, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and contribute significantly to our client's pipeline of novel therapeutics.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to determine the high-resolution structures of target proteins and protein complexes using X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and/or NMR.
• Optimize protein expression and purification strategies to obtain suitable material for structural studies.
• Solve and refine 3D structures, analyze structural data, and interpret findings in the context of biological function.
• Utilize computational tools for structure visualization, analysis, and modeling.
• Collaborate closely with computational chemists, biochemists, and biologists to integrate structural information into drug discovery programs.
• Lead structural biology efforts on key projects, guiding experimental design and troubleshooting.
• Mentor and supervise junior scientists and research associates.
• Author and co-author high-impact publications in leading scientific journals.
• Present research findings at international scientific meetings.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and technological innovations in structural biology and related fields.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and direction of structural biology research within the company.

Requirements

• PhD in Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant post-doctoral or industry experience in determining macromolecular structures.
• Extensive hands-on experience and proven track record in X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-EM, including data collection, processing, and structure solution/refinement.
• Proficiency with relevant software packages for data analysis, structure determination, and visualization.
• Strong understanding of protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and biophysics.
• Experience with NMR spectroscopy is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a rigorous scientific approach.
• Superb communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and mentor junior staff.
• A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with your extensive experience and proven track record.
• A comprehensive benefits program includes excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with life and disability coverage.
• Generous paid time off, including annual leave, sick days, and public holidays, ensures a healthy work-life balance.
• We are committed to fostering career growth through significant opportunities for professional development, including support for attending conferences and workshops.
• The role is based in a state-of-the-art research facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, providing a stimulating and collaborative environment.
• Retirement savings options are also available.