Research Scientist - Virology

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development & conferences

Access to advanced facilities in Nelsr

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Research Scientist with a virology specialty to join our Nelspruit-based team in a hybrid role focused on viral mechanisms, diagnostic tool development, and antiviral therapy discovery in a state-of-the-art lab.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in Virology or related field, have hands-on experience with infectious viruses and molecular techniques, and contribute to collaborative, publication‑driven research in infectious diseases.

Qualifications

• PhD in Virology, Microbiology, or related field.
• Experience working with infectious viruses and performing virological assays.
• Proficient in molecular biology techniques (PCR, Western Blot, cell-based assays).

Responsibilities

• Conduct research experiments focused on understanding viral replication cycles and host-pathogen interactions.
• Develop and validate novel assays for the detection and characterization of viruses.
• Investigate potential antiviral compounds and therapeutic strategies.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records and contribute to scientific publications.
• Collaborate with team members on research projects and contribute to scientific discussions.

Skills

Virology experiments

Molecular biology techniques

Virus handling (BSL-2/BSL-3)

Education

PhD in Virology or related field

Tools

PCR

Western Blot

Cell-based assays

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Research Scientist with a specialization in virology to join their dynamic team in Nelspruit . This hybrid role is focused on investigating viral mechanisms, developing diagnostic tools, and contributing to the discovery of antiviral therapies. You will work within a state-of-the-art laboratory, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of scientists. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of viral replication, pathogenesis, and molecular techniques. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to critical research in infectious diseases within a supportive and innovative environment, fostering scientific advancement in the field of virology in the Nelspruit region.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research experiments focused on understanding viral replication cycles and host-pathogen interactions.
• Develop and validate novel assays for the detection and characterization of viruses.
• Investigate potential antiviral compounds and therapeutic strategies.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records and contribute to scientific publications.
• Collaborate effectively with team members on research projects and contribute to scientific discussions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with infectious viruses and performing virological assays.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, Western Blotting, cell-based assays).
• Familiarity with BSL-2 or BSL-3 laboratory practices and safety protocols.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary with performance incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering a balance of on-site lab work and remote analysis.
• Opportunities for professional development and conference participation.
• Access to advanced research facilities and equipment in Nelspruit .