Senior Biophysicist

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Biophysicist in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The role demands a PhD and at least 5 years of post-doctoral research experience in biophysics or related fields.

You will lead complex experiments using X-ray crystallography, NMR, cryo-EM, SPR, and ITC, and analyze large datasets with Python, R, or MATLAB. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and clinicians, publish in high-impact journals, and contribute to departmental strategy while

Qualifications

• PhD in Biophysics/Physics/Biochemistry or related field.
• Minimum 5 years post-doctoral research experience.
• Proven track record in designing complex experiments with listed techniques.
• Strong programming in Python, R or MATLAB.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; publications in high-impact journals.
• Grant writing experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct complex biophysical experiments to study molecular interactions and cellular processes.
• Develop and validate new protocols for data acquisition and interpretation.
• Analyze large datasets using advanced statistical and computational tools.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and clinicians to reach research goals.
• Prepare reports and manuscripts; present findings at conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to departmental strategy.
• Ensure compliance with lab safety and ethical guidelines.
• Troubleshoot experimental setups and data analysis challenges.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data visualization

Scientific writing

Grant writing

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Biophysics/Physics/Biochemistry

Tools

X-ray crystallography

NMR spectroscopy

cryo-EM

SPR

ITC

Python

R

MATLAB

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a cutting-edge research and development firm seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Biophysicist to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is pivotal in advancing our understanding of biological systems through rigorous scientific investigation and the development of innovative experimental techniques. You will contribute to groundbreaking projects that have the potential to significantly impact the fields of medicine, biotechnology, and environmental science. The ideal candidate will possess a deep theoretical knowledge base coupled with extensive practical experience in applying biophysical principles to complex biological problems. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative environment, leveraging state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies, and to make a tangible contribution to scientific progress within Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct complex biophysical experiments to investigate molecular interactions, protein dynamics, and cellular processes.
• Develop and validate new experimental protocols and analytical methods for data acquisition and interpretation.
• Analyze large datasets using advanced statistical and computational tools.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and clinicians to achieve research objectives.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, research manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and present findings at scientific conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the overall scientific strategy of the department.
• Ensure compliance with all laboratory safety regulations and ethical guidelines.
• Troubleshoot experimental setups and data analysis challenges.

Requirements

• PhD in Biophysics, Physics, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral research experience in biophysics or a related discipline.
• Proven track record of designing and executing complex experiments, preferably using techniques such as X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, cryo-EM, SPR, or ITC.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with expertise in statistical analysis and data visualization.
• Proficiency in programming languages relevant to data analysis (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to publish in high-impact journals.
• Experience with scientific grant writing is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings plan, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional development and continuous learning. Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to scientific excellence and innovation in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.