Research Scientist - Synthetic Biology

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Professional growth

Advanced lab access

Hybrid work option

Impactful research

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Research Scientist with a specialization in Synthetic Biology to join a cutting‑edge R&D team in Bloemfontein. The role involves designing, constructing, and testing novel biological systems for therapeutics and industrial biotech, using genetic and metabolic engineering in a multidisciplinary setting.

You will work with a team applying systems biology, engineering, and computer science approaches, contributing to high‑impact research, publications, and potential

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of post‑doctoral or industrial research experience in synthetic biology.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology, genetic engineering, and metabolic engineering principles.
• Hands‑on experience with DNA assembly techniques, gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR), and high‑throughput screening methods.
• Familiarity with relevant software for biological design and analysis is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, collaborative research environment and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer novel genetic circuits and pathways for specific cellular functions using synthetic biology principles.
• Construct and characterize engineered organisms or biological systems through various molecular and cell‑based techniques.
• Develop and optimize protocols for gene expression, protein production, and metabolic pathway engineering.
• Utilize computational tools for pathway design, modeling, and data analysis.
• Conduct experiments to evaluate the performance and scalability of engineered biological systems.
• Document experimental procedures, analyze results, and contribute to scientific publications and patent applications.

Education

Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or related field

Tools

DNA assembly

CRISPR

High-throughput screening

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an innovative Research Scientist with a specialization in Synthetic Biology to join their cutting‑edge R&D team in Bloemfontein . This role focuses on designing, constructing, and testing novel biological systems for diverse applications, ranging from therapeutics to industrial biotechnology. You will work with a multidisciplinary team, employing genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, and systems biology approaches. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to pioneering research in a field that merges biology, engineering, and computer science.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer novel genetic circuits and pathways for specific cellular functions using synthetic biology principles.
• Construct and characterize engineered organisms or biological systems through various molecular and cell‑based techniques.
• Develop and optimize protocols for gene expression, protein production, and metabolic pathway engineering.
• Utilize computational tools for pathway design, modeling, and data analysis.
• Conduct experiments to evaluate the performance and scalability of engineered biological systems.
• Document experimental procedures, analyze results, and contribute to scientific publications and patent applications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of post‑doctoral or industrial research experience in synthetic biology.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology, genetic engineering, and metabolic engineering principles.
• Hands‑on experience with DNA assembly techniques, gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR), and high‑throughput screening methods.
• Familiarity with relevant software for biological design and analysis is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, collaborative research environment and manage multiple projects.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development in a rapidly evolving field.
• Access to advanced laboratory equipment and collaborative research environment.
• Potential for hybrid work arrangements to support work‑life balance.
• Engage in cutting‑edge research that has the potential for significant societal impact.