Research Scientist - Virology

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Growth opportunities

Advanced facilities

Collaborative environment

Impactful research

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Research Scientist with a Virology specialization to join our East London facility. You will lead research projects, design and execute experiments, and analyze complex data to advance antiviral strategies.

The role requires a PhD in Virology or related field and a minimum of 3 years post-doctoral experience, with hands-on virology techniques and strong collaborative and scientific writing skills.

Qualifications

• PhD in Virology or related field required.
• Post-doctoral experience in virology research is essential.
• Strong data analysis and scientific writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and interpret experiments on viral replication and host–pathogen interactions.
• Perform viral titrations, plaque assays, and infectivity studies in cell cultures.
• Develop and validate antiviral assays for drug screening.
• Work with viral RNA/DNA isolation, PCR, and sequencing.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate findings into programs.
• Contribute to publications and presentations while upholding biosafety standards.

Skills

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Ph.D. in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related field

Tools

Molecular biology techniques

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Research Scientist with a specialization in Virology to join their dynamic team in East London . This role is critical for advancing our understanding of viral pathogenesis and developing novel antiviral strategies. You will lead research projects, design and execute experiments using advanced virological techniques, and analyze complex data to drive scientific innovation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in virology and a passion for contributing to public health through impactful research in our East London facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and interpret experiments investigating viral replication, host-pathogen interactions, and immune responses.
• Perform quantitative viral titrations, plaque assays, and infectivity studies using cell cultures and appropriate biosafety containment.
• Develop and validate new assays for drug screening and characterization of antiviral compounds.
• Work with molecular biology techniques such as viral RNA/DNA isolation, PCR, and sequencing.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate virological findings into broader research programs.
• Contribute to scientific publications and presentations, and ensure compliance with biosafety regulations in our East London lab.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral experience in virology research.
• Extensive hands-on experience with a range of virological techniques, including cell culture, virus propagation, and infection models.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques relevant to virology.
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation, with strong scientific writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment in East London .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in the field of virology.
• Access to advanced laboratory facilities and cutting-edge research tools.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment dedicated to scientific excellence.
• Contribution to critical research aimed at combating infectious diseases.