Research Associate - Protein Biochemistry

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a meticulous Research Associate to join the Protein Biochemistry team in Mahikeng. You will support projects on protein expression, purification, and characterization for therapeutic and diagnostic uses, working under senior scientists in a collaborative environment.

The role emphasizes hands-on experiments, accurate record-keeping, and contribution to data analysis. A solid grounding in protein biochemistry and a strong desire to grow professionally are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related life sciences.
• 1–3 years hands-on protein biochemistry or molecular biology experience.
• Proficiency in protein purification and biochemical assays.

Responsibilities

• Perform protein expression in E. coli and mammalian systems and purify via chromatography.
• Characterize proteins using SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Develop and optimize purification protocols and perform functional assays.
• Maintain notebooks and assist data analysis; ensure equipment calibration.

Skills

Protein biochemistry

Laboratory techniques

Chromatography

SDS-PAGE

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology

Tools

Chromatography systems

Western Blotting

UV-Vis spectroscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a meticulous and enthusiastic Research Associate to join their Protein Biochemistry team in Mahikeng. This hands-on role involves supporting research projects focused on protein expression, purification, and characterization for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. You will work under the guidance of senior scientists, performing key laboratory experiments and contributing to the development of novel biological products. The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in protein biochemistry techniques and a strong desire to learn and grow within a collaborative, cutting-edge research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform protein expression in various systems (e.g., E. coli, mammalian cells) and subsequent purification using chromatography techniques (e.g., affinity, ion exchange, size exclusion).
• Characterize purified proteins using techniques such as SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Assist in the development and optimization of protein purification protocols.
• Perform functional assays to assess protein activity and stability.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks and contribute to experimental data analysis.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained and properly calibrated.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• 1-3 years of hands-on laboratory experience in protein biochemistry or molecular biology.
• Proficiency in standard protein purification techniques and biochemical assays.
• Experience with protein expression systems and chromatography methods is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a research team in Mahikeng.

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Full-time position offering valuable laboratory experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for training and advancement within the company.