Senior Biophysicist

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Retirement savings plan with employer

Generous paid time off

Professional growth opportunities

Access to cutting-edge instrumentation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Biophysicist for our client, a leading biopharmaceutical company, based in Sandton, Gauteng. The role focuses on applying biophysical methods to characterize drug candidates and understand target interactions within a state-of-the-art R&D environment.

You will lead experiments using SPR, ITC, MST, DLS and SAXS, analyze data, develop assays, collaborate with chemists and structural biologists, and contribute to publications while maintaining advanced

Qualifications

• PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, or related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on biophysical characterization experience in drug discovery.
• Experience with SPR, ITC, MST, DLS, SAXS.
• Strong protein chemistry, molecular interactions, and structural biology knowledge.
• Proficiency with data analysis software and statistics.
• Excellent problem-solving and meticulous experimental approach.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary Sandton team.
• Experience with thermal shift assays and microfluidic-based assays desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments using biophysical techniques such as SPR, ITC, MST, CD, fluorescence spectroscopy, and AUC to characterize protein-ligand interactions.
• Analyze and interpret complex biophysical data to determine binding kinetics, thermodynamics, and structural properties of drug candidates.
• Develop and optimize novel biophysical assays for screening and characterization of therapeutic molecules.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, structural biologists, and cellular biologists to integrate biophysical data into drug discovery programs.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to instrumentation and experimental design.
• Contribute to the selection and validation of promising drug candidates based on biophysical properties.
• Prepare detailed reports, present findings at internal meetings and external conferences, and contribute to publications.
• Maintain and operate state-of-the‑art biophysical instrumentation.

Skills

SPR

ITC

MST

DLS

SAXS

Protein chemistry

Data analysis

Biophysics

Education

PhD in Biophysics

Tools

Biophysical instrumentation

Statistical analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Biophysicist to join their advanced research and development team. This crucial role is based in the bustling hub of Sandton, Gauteng , and will involve applying biophysical principles and techniques to characterize drug candidates and understand their interactions with biological targets. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in a range of biophysical methods and a strong understanding of protein structure, dynamics, and interactions. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge drug discovery programs, collaborate with leading scientists in a state-of-the-art facility, and play a key role in bringing innovative medicines to patients. We are seeking an ambitious and detail-oriented biophysicist eager to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments using biophysical techniques such as SPR, ITC, MST, CD, fluorescence spectroscopy, and AUC to characterize protein-ligand interactions.
• Analyze and interpret complex biophysical data to determine binding kinetics, thermodynamics, and structural properties of drug candidates.
• Develop and optimize novel biophysical assays for screening and characterization of therapeutic molecules.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, structural biologists, and cellular biologists to integrate biophysical data into drug discovery programs.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to instrumentation and experimental design.
• Contribute to the selection and validation of promising drug candidates based on biophysical properties.
• Prepare detailed reports, present findings at internal meetings and external conferences, and contribute to publications.
• Maintain and operate state-of-the‑art biophysical instrumentation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in biophysical characterization of biomolecules and their interactions, preferably in a drug discovery setting.
• Extensive practical experience with multiple biophysical techniques (e.g., SPR, ITC, MST, DLS, SAXS).
• Strong understanding of protein chemistry, molecular interactions, and structural biology.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and statistical methods relevant to biophysical measurements.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and a meticulous approach to experimental work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex scientific data.
• Ability to work independently and as an effective member of a multidisciplinary team in Sandton, Gauteng .
• Experience with thermal shift assays and microfluidic‑based assays is desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth and scientific contribution.
• Access to cutting‑edge biophysical instrumentation and a collaborative research environment.