Remote Principal Research Scientist - Biotechnology

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement savings plan

Training funding

Flexible working hours

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Research Scientist in Biotechnology to lead high-impact research from a remote setting. The role focuses on gene editing, therapeutic development, and molecular diagnostics, guiding a distributed team and translating discoveries into health solutions.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a life sciences field, 8+ years post-doctoral R&D leadership, and strong publication track record, with excellent remote collaboration and communication skills.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related life sciences.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience leading R&D initiatives.
• Extensive experience in molecular biology techniques, genetic engineering, and assay development.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery and development processes.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in top-tier journals and present internationally.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute complex research projects in gene therapy, protein engineering, or drug discovery.
• Develop and validate novel biotechnology assays and protocols.
• Mentor a team of scientists in a remote or virtual environment.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and draw conclusions.
• Publish high-quality papers and present findings at international forums.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including clinical development and regulatory affairs.
• Identify new technologies and research opportunities.
• Contribute to intellectual property strategy and patent filings.

Education

PhD in Biotechnology or related life sciences

Tools

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a cutting-edge biotechnology firm dedicated to advancing human health through innovative biological research and development. We are seeking a highly accomplished and visionary Principal Research Scientist specializing in Biotechnology to join our globally distributed team. This position is structured as a fully remote opportunity, offering the flexibility to contribute to critical scientific breakthroughs from any location. The Principal Research Scientist will lead ambitious research projects, focusing on gene editing, therapeutic development, and molecular diagnostics. This role is pivotal in setting the scientific direction, mentoring research staff, and ensuring the successful translation of novel discoveries into tangible health solutions. Join us in driving the future of medicine through pioneering, remote-first scientific exploration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute complex research projects in areas such as gene therapy, protein engineering, or drug discovery.
• Develop and validate novel biotechnological assays and experimental protocols.
• Mentor and guide a team of scientists and researchers in a virtual environment.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Author high-quality scientific publications and present research findings at leading international forums.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including clinical development and regulatory affairs.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and research opportunities.
• Contribute to intellectual property strategy and patent filings.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience with a proven track record in leading R&D initiatives.
• Extensive experience in molecular biology techniques, genetic engineering, and assay development.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery and development processes.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in top-tier scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective remote collaboration.
• Experience with bioinformatics tools and data analysis is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a generous retirement savings plan, all tailored for our remote workforce. We provide significant opportunities for professional development, including funding for specialized training, workshops, and conference attendance. Employees benefit from flexible working hours and generous paid time off. This remote position allows you to work from your preferred location, offering exceptional flexibility and work-life integration while contributing to impactful research in Richards Bay (though the role is fully remote).