Production Scientist

Fluorobiotech; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 334,800 - 502,200; Full time

Job summary

A South African biotechnology company is seeking a skilled professional to develop and implement strategies for protein expression and purification. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree in a relevant field and proven experience in molecular biology techniques. You will manage R&D projects, supervise junior staff, and collaborate across teams to optimize protein production. This role is pivotal for advancing biopharmaceutical manufacturing and requires strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset.

Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology, protein expression, and characterization required.
• Experience in ISO 13485 manufacturing or comparable conditions preferred.
• Track record of delivering high-quality results within tight timelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement protein expression and purification strategies.
• Manage R&D projects ensuring timely delivery and high-quality results.
• Supervise junior R&D scientists and manufacturing staff.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Protein expression

Protein purification

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

MSc in protein biophysics, biochemistry, or molecular biology

Tools

Bioreactors

Chromatography systems

PCR

SDS-PAGE

Job description

Fluorobiotech is a South African biotechnology company dedicated to advancing global health and innovation through the development and large-scale manufacture of high-performance recombinant enzymes. With a strong focus on enabling biopharmaceutical manufacturing we provide the essential enzymes and proteins that power modern biotechnology. Fluorobiotech operates at the intersection of custom protein development and product supply, offering tailored solutions for unique research and therapeutic needs alongside ready-to-use enzymes. With a global outlook and a collaborative approach, Fluorobiotech’s mission is clear: to make biotechnology tools more accessible, affordable, and scalable, empowering our partners to accelerate discoveries and deliver impact where it matters most.

Experience in molecular biology, protein expression, and characterization is essential specifically under ISO 13485 manufacturing or comparable conditions.

About the role

• Develop and implement protein expression and purification strategies using microbial cell cultures.
• Experience in performing these activities using bioreactors and chromatography systems.
• Analyze complex formulations and optimize processes for efficient protein production.
• Manage R&D projects, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transfer methods and data to the production unit.
• Pursue continuous learning and improvement in protein expression and purification techniques.
• Work within the ISO13485 framework as required to deliver results.
• Design, execute, and troubleshoot DNA preparations, protein purifications and protein activity assays with guidance from senior members of the group.
• Actively engage in scientific discussion within the group and across groups to contribute to robust product development.
• Supervise junior R&D scientists and manufacturing staff.

Requirements

• MSc in protein biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related area.
• Track record of delivering robust data and high-quality results within tight timelines.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including PCR, molecular cloning, and agarose gel electrophoresis.
• Experience with advanced protein expression and purification techniques.
• Experience with SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis, and protein quantification.
• A collaborative team player with a positive can-do attitude.
• Strong problem solving capabilities, clear communication and presentation skills.
• Experience in protein engineering and structure-guided design of protein variants for stability, activity, or yield.
• Industry experience working within an ISO13485, and or; GMP environment.
• Some knowledge of protein assay development, characterisation and functional properties (e.g. solubility, aggregation properties, activity).