Senior Biophysicist - Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Annual leave

Professional development

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Biophysicist in Johannesburg to lead molecular dynamics studies of protein systems relevant to drug design. You will design, execute and analyze large MD simulations, optimize protocols and mentor junior researchers in a collaborative, HPC-enabled environment.

The role blends on-site teamwork with remote flexibility, offering opportunities to publish and contribute to cutting-edge biophysics research.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biophysics, Computational Chemistry, Physics, or a related field with a strong focus on molecular simulations.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in performing and analyzing molecular dynamics simulations using software packages such as GROMACS, AMBER, or NAMD.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for automation and data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Strong understanding of statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, and molecular modeling principles.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to critically evaluate complex datasets.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate biological systems.
• Develop and optimize simulation protocols and ensure accuracy of results.
• Analyze large-scale trajectories and develop novel analysis techniques.
• Interpret data and present findings to multidisciplinary teams.
• Collaborate with experimental scientists to guide research strategies.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to scientific output.
• Stay abreast of advancements in computational biophysics and software development.

Skills

Molecular dynamics

Python scripting

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Biophysics or related field

Tools

GROMACS

AMBER

NAMD

High-performance computing

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading scientific research and development institution dedicated to pushing the boundaries of biological understanding through cutting-edge computational methods. Located in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, Gauteng , we are seeking an exceptional Senior Biophysicist to join our dynamic team. This role is pivotal in driving forward our molecular dynamics simulation projects, contributing significantly to groundbreaking discoveries in drug design and protein folding. You will be instrumental in designing, executing, and analyzing complex simulations, providing critical insights that shape our research direction. This is an unparalleled opportunity to work within a collaborative environment, leverage state-of-the-art computational resources, and make a tangible impact on the future of biophysics. The position offers a blend of on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, fostering a productive and balanced work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate complex biological systems, including protein-ligand interactions, membrane proteins, and conformational changes.
• Develop and optimize simulation protocols, parameterize force fields, and ensure the accuracy and reliability of simulation results.
• Analyze large-scale simulation trajectories using a variety of computational tools and develop novel analysis techniques.
• Interpret simulation data in the context of experimental results and biological hypotheses, and present findings to multidisciplinary teams.
• Collaborate with experimental biologists, chemists, and other computational scientists to guide research strategies and design new experiments.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the team's overall scientific output and knowledge base.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in computational biophysics, simulation methodologies, and software development.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Computational Chemistry, Physics, or a related field with a strong focus on molecular simulations.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in performing and analyzing molecular dynamics simulations using software packages such as GROMACS, AMBER, or NAMD.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for automation and data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Strong understanding of statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, and molecular modeling principles.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to critically evaluate complex datasets.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience with protein structure prediction or docking is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health benefits, and a generous annual leave allowance.
• We provide significant opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance and training in the latest simulation techniques.
• The Johannesburg-based research facility is equipped with advanced computational clusters and collaborative workspaces.
• Enjoy a stimulating work environment with a focus on innovation and scientific excellence.
• We believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive culture where your contributions are valued and recognized.
• This role provides a pathway to leadership within our esteemed research group.