Remote Senior Research Scientist - Synthetic Biology

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Conference funding

Remote work

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Research Scientist in Synthetic Biology for a fully remote role across South Africa. You will lead design and construction of novel biological systems, driving innovative therapeutics, diagnostics, and industrial biotech applications.

You will supervise projects from concept to execution, collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, publish in top journals, and mentor junior researchers while upholding rigorous safety standards.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology or closely related field.
• Minimum 6 years post-doctoral or relevant industrial research experience.
• Proven expertise in designing DNA constructs and microbial/cellular engineering.
• Strong publication record and remote collaboration experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and construct genetic circuits and metabolic pathways.
• Develop high-throughput screening and validation methods.
• Utilize bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis and modeling.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project goals.
• Lead projects from concept to execution and interpretation.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to strategy development.
• Ensure safety and compliance in the laboratory.

Skills

Molecular biology

Genetic engineering

Bioinformatics

Experimental design

Remote collaboration

Scientific writing

Education

Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology

Tools

Cloning

PCR

DNA sequencing

Protein expression analysis

Pathway modeling

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Senior Research Scientist in Synthetic Biology for a fully remote position. You will lead cutting-edge research projects aimed at designing and constructing novel biological systems and functions for diverse applications, including therapeutics, diagnostics, and industrial biotechnology. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of molecular biology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and experimental design, coupled with a proven ability to lead research initiatives and publish impactful work. This role offers the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa while collaborating with a world-class team of scientists. We are committed to advancing the field of synthetic biology through rigorous research and creative problem-solving. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in a dynamic and collaborative remote environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, construct, and characterize novel genetic circuits, metabolic pathways, and cellular systems using synthetic biology principles.
• Develop and implement high-throughput screening and experimental validation methods for engineered biological systems.
• Utilize bioinformatics tools and databases for sequence analysis, pathway modeling, and design optimization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including molecular biologists, biochemists, and engineers, to achieve project goals.
• Lead research projects from conceptualization through to experimental execution and data interpretation.
• Analyze complex biological data, draw meaningful conclusions, and present findings to internal teams and external collaborators.
• Author high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals and present research at scientific conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the development of the synthetic biology research strategy.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and responsible conduct of research.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral or relevant industrial research experience in synthetic biology.
• Proven expertise in designing and manipulating DNA constructs, gene expression systems, and microbial/cellular engineering.
• Strong experience with molecular biology techniques, including cloning, PCR, sequencing, and protein expression analysis.
• Proficiency in using bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis, pathway modeling, and data interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects, manage timelines, and deliver high-quality results.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a strong publication record.
• Experience working effectively in a remote collaborative environment is essential.
• Experience with metabolic engineering or protein engineering is a plus.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and a flexible work schedule.
• Employees benefit from opportunities for professional development, including funding for conferences, workshops, and access to cutting-edge scientific literature.
• Our client fosters a collaborative and innovative research culture, providing the necessary tools and support for remote success.
• You will have the chance to work on transformative research projects at the forefront of synthetic biology and contribute to advancements that impact health and industry.