Senior Biophysicist - Protein Structure Analysis

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health coverage

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Conference funding

Cutting-edge instrumentation access

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a world-renowned life sciences research institution in Stellenbosch, seeking a Senior Biophysicist to lead cutting-edge protein structure studies. The role requires senior expertise in X-ray crystallography, NMR, or cryo-EM and mentoring of junior scientists.

You will design advanced experiments, interpret complex data, collaborate across biochemistry, structural biology, and computation teams, and contribute to grant proposals and high-profile publications.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, or related field.
• 7+ years post-doctoral experience focused on protein structure determination.
• Hands-on experience with X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-EM and NMR.
• Strong computational skills for data analysis and modeling.
• Proven publication record and mentoring ability.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute biophysical experiments to determine protein structure and stability.
• Apply techniques including X-ray crystallography, NMR, cryo-EM, SAXS, SPR, ITC, and fluorescence.
• Analyze complex data and integrate with structural and functional context.
• Develop protocols for protein purification, crystallization, and data collection.
• Collaborate with structural biology and computational teams to build molecular models.
• Present findings at conferences and publish in high-impact journals.
• Mentor postdocs and graduate students; supervise junior staff.
• Maintain and ensure safety of biophysical instrumentation.
• Contribute to grant writing and securing research funding.

Skills

Mentoring

Communication skills

Collaboration

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Biophysics/related field

Tools

X-ray crystallography

NMR spectroscopy

Cryo-EM

SAXS

SPR

ITC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a world-renowned research institution focused on life sciences, is seeking an accomplished Senior Biophysicist to join their elite team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This pivotal role will focus on elucidating the structure and dynamics of complex biological macromolecules, particularly proteins, using cutting-edge biophysical techniques. You will be instrumental in advancing our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying various biological processes and diseases. Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will collaborate with biochemists, structural biologists, and computational modelers. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact research, publish in top-tier journals, and influence the direction of scientific discovery. We are dedicated to fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute sophisticated biophysical experiments to determine protein structure, stability, and interactions.
• Employ a range of biophysical techniques, including X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), SAXS, SPR, ITC, and fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Analyze and interpret complex biophysical data, integrating findings with structural and functional information.
• Develop and optimize protocols for protein purification, crystallization, and data collection.
• Collaborate closely with structural biology and computational chemistry teams to build comprehensive molecular models.
• Present research findings at international scientific conferences and publish in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Mentor and supervise postdoctoral researchers and graduate students.
• Maintain state-of-the-art biophysical instrumentation and ensure laboratory safety.
• Contribute to grant writing and securing external funding for research projects in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience with a strong focus on protein structure determination and analysis.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with at least two major structural biology techniques (e.g., X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, NMR).
• Proficiency in biophysical characterization methods such as SPR, ITC, CD, or fluorescence spectroscopy.l
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex structural biology problems independently.
• Strong computational skills for data analysis, structure modeling, and visualization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, evidenced by a strong publication record.
• Proven experience in mentoring junior scientists or students.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary research team.
• Must be able to work on-site at our Stellenbosch, Western Cape facility, with potential for hybrid arrangements.

Benefits

• Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive suite of benefits.
• This includes world-class health coverage, a generous retirement savings plan, and significant paid leave.
• We are committed to the professional growth of our scientists, providing funding for conferences, workshops, and advanced training.
• Access to cutting‑edge instrumentation and collaborative opportunities with leading researchers worldwide are standard.
• Join an institution where groundbreaking discoveries in biophysics are made.