Senior Biophysicist - Advanced Drug Discovery

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Hybrid work model

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Biophysicist to advance drug discovery through biophysical methods. You will design and execute experiments, analyze complex data, and collaborate with chemists and computational biologists.

The role includes mentoring junior scientists and contributing to patentable discoveries in a hybrid work setting, with a focus on innovative biophysical assays and high-throughput strategies.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry or closely related field with at least 5 years of postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Experience with biophysical characterization techniques, esp. SPR and ITC.
• Strong data analysis skills and familiarity with relevant software.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute biophysical experiments to study drug-target interactions (SPR/ITC/DSF).
• Develop and validate high-throughput biophysical assays for lead optimization.
• Analyze data and provide clear reports to project teams and management.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and computational biologists.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to lab practice improvements.
• Stay updated on biophysics advances and publish findings when applicable.
• Contribute to IP generation through publications and patentable work.

Skills

SPR/ITC/DSF proficiency

Data analysis & statistics

Collaborative research

Scientific report writing

Independent problem-solving

Mentoring junior staff

Education

PhD in Biophysics or Biochemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering research and development firm, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Biophysicist to join their dynamic team in Johannesburg, Gauteng. This role is pivotal in driving innovation in advanced drug discovery, focusing on developing novel therapeutic agents through cutting-edge biophysical techniques. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of pharmaceutical research, contributing to projects that have the potential to significantly impact global health. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of molecular interactions and a proven track record in applying biophysical methodologies to complex biological systems. This is a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative and stimulating environment that fosters scientific excellence and encourages creative problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute sophisticated biophysical experiments to characterize drug-target interactions, including techniques such as Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC), and Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF).
• Develop and validate new biophysical assays for high-throughput screening and lead optimization.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, providing clear and concise reports to project teams and senior management.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and computational biologists to integrate biophysical data into drug discovery workflows.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the continuous improvement of laboratory practices and methodologies.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in biophysics and their applications in drug discovery.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through patent applications and scientific publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a closely related field with a minimum of 5 years of postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in a broad range of biophysical characterization techniques, with a strong emphasis on SPR and ITC.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and statistical methods relevant to biophysical data.
• Experience in drug discovery or a related pharmaceutical R&D environment is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information effectively.
• Experience with protein expression, purification, and characterization is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Employees benefit from a stimulating research environment, access to state-of-the-art equipment, and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking scientific discoveries in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
• This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, providing a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.