Research Associate - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Hybrid work model

Professional development and training

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton is seeking a meticulous Research Associate to support our drug discovery efforts. The role combines hands-on bench work with remote collaboration to analyze results and plan next steps in a fast-paced scientific environment.

You will perform in vitro assays, maintain cultures, and contribute to data analysis using Excel and GraphPad Prism. A Bachelor's or Master's in a life sciences field is required, with 1–3 years of laboratory experience and strong teamwork in a hybrid

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related life science field.
• 1-3 years of hands-on laboratory experience, preferably in drug discovery or a related field.
• Proficiency in common laboratory techniques such as cell culture, ELISA, Western blotting, and PCR.
• Experience with data analysis software (e.g., Excel, GraphPad Prism).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for effective teamwork in a hybrid setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of in vitro assays, including cell-based assays, biochemical assays, and screening experiments.
• Prepare reagents, maintain cell cultures, and execute experiments according to established protocols.
• Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data using appropriate software and statistical methods.
• Troubleshoot experimental procedures and contribute to process improvements.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records.
• Collaborate with senior scientists to interpret results and plan future experiments.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Life Sciences

Tools

Cell culture

ELISA

Western blotting

PCR

Excel

GraphPad Prism

Job description

Our client is looking for a meticulous and enthusiastic Research Associate to support their Drug Discovery efforts in Sandton. This role is integral to advancing pre-clinical candidates through rigorous laboratory experimentation. Working in a hybrid model, you will conduct essential bench work and collaborate remotely with project teams to analyze results and plan next steps. You will contribute to a vital research pipeline, gaining hands‑on experience in a fast‑paced scientific environment, and playing a key role in the development of novel therapeutics. This position offers a great platform for growth and learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of in vitro assays, including cell‑based assays, biochemical assays, and screening experiments.
• Prepare reagents, maintain cell cultures, and execute experiments according to established protocols.
• Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data using appropriate software and statistical methods.
• Troubleshoot experimental procedures and contribute to process improvements.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records.
• Collaborate with senior scientists to interpret results and plan future experiments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related life science field.
• 1-3 years of hands‑on laboratory experience, preferably in drug discovery or a related field.
• Proficiency in common laboratory techniques such as cell culture, ELISA, Western blotting, and PCR.
• Experience with data analysis software (e.g., Excel, GraphPad Prism).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for effective teamwork in a hybrid setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for annual bonus.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Hybrid work model combining on-site and remote flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.