Senior Biophysicist - Protein Folding & Dynamics

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Annual bonuses

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Biophysicist for a prestigious research institute in Vereeniging, Gauteng. You will design and execute advanced biophysical experiments to study protein structure, stability, and interactions, using a range of techniques including spectroscopy, calorimetry, SPR, and MS.

A strong publication record and cross-disciplinary collaboration are essential. The role emphasizes independent work within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to drug discovery strategies

Qualifications

• PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, or related field.
• Postdoctoral or industry experience in biophysics (minimum 5 years).
• Experience with a wide range of biophysical techniques for protein analysis.
• Strong theoretical knowledge of protein structure, folding and dynamics.
• Experience with data analysis software and publications.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute sophisticated biophysical experiments to study protein structure, function, and interactions.
• Utilize spectroscopy (UV-Vis, fluorescence, CD), calorimetry (ITC, DSC), SPR, and mass spectrometry.
• Characterize protein-ligand binding kinetics and thermodynamics.
• Investigate protein folding pathways, stability, and conformational changes.
• Develop and optimize experimental protocols for biophysical characterization.
• Analyze and interpret complex biophysical datasets, drawing robust scientific conclusions.
• Collaborate with chemists, biologists, and computational scientists on research projects.
• Contribute to the writing of scientific publications, reports, and grant proposals.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.
• Maintain and operate advanced biophysical instrumentation, ensuring proper calibration and function.

Skills

Protein folding

Biophysical techniques

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Collaboration

Computational modeling

Data visualization

Education

PhD in Biophysics/Biochemistry/Physical Chemistry

Tools

MATLAB

Python

OriginPro

GraphPad Prism

ImageJ

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned research institute focused on molecular biology and drug discovery, is seeking an accomplished Senior Biophysicist for their laboratory in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This key role will involve investigating the fundamental principles of protein folding, stability, and dynamics, utilizing a range of advanced biophysical techniques. You will be instrumental in characterizing protein-ligand interactions, elucidating molecular mechanisms of disease, and supporting the development of novel therapeutic agents. The ideal candidate will possess a deep theoretical understanding and practical expertise in areas such as spectroscopy (fluorescence, CD), calorimetry, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and advanced microscopy. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact scientific research within a collaborative and state-of-the-art facility. We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled biophysicist with a passion for unraveling complex biological processes at the molecular level. Your work will directly inform drug design and development strategies, contributing to significant advancements in medicine.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute sophisticated biophysical experiments to study protein structure, function, and interactions.
• Utilize a variety of biophysical techniques including spectroscopy (UV-Vis, fluorescence, CD), calorimetry (ITC, DSC), SPR, and mass spectrometry.
• Characterize protein-ligand binding kinetics and thermodynamics.
• Investigate protein folding pathways, stability, and conformational changes.
• Develop and optimize experimental protocols for biophysical characterization.
• Analyze and interpret complex biophysical datasets, drawing robust scientific conclusions.
• Collaborate closely with chemists, biologists, and computational scientists on research projects.
• Contribute to the writing of scientific publications, reports, and grant proposals.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.
• Maintain and operate advanced biophysical instrumentation, ensuring proper calibration and function.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of postdoctoral or industry experience focused on biophysics.
• Demonstrated expertise in a wide range of biophysical techniques for protein analysis.
• Strong theoretical knowledge of protein structure, folding, and dynamics.
• Experience with data analysis software relevant to biophysical techniques.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of scientific publications.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team.
• Experience with computational modeling of biomolecules is a plus.
• Proficiency in data visualization and presentation.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off. This role in Vereeniging, Gauteng provides the opportunity to work in a world-class research environment with access to cutting-edge instrumentation. We foster a culture of scientific excellence and collaboration, offering excellent career development prospects. Annual bonuses and opportunities for further education are provided. Join our innovative team and contribute to groundbreaking research in the life sciences.