Senior Biophysicist - Protein Structure & Dynamics

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development & conference意

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Biophysicist to join our biomedical research unit in Nelspruit. You will drive projects to elucidate the structure, dynamics and function of proteins and nucleic acids using X-ray crystallography, NMR, cryo-EM, and related methods.

You will collaborate with experimental biologists and computational modelers, mentor students, and contribute to manuscripts and conference presentations. A PhD and 5+ years post‑doc experience are expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years post-doc experience in structural biology or biophysics.
• Expertise in at least one major structural biology technique (X-ray, NMR, cryo-EM).
• Experience with protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments using advanced biophysical techniques to determine structure and dynamics of proteins and biomolecules.
• Purify and characterize biological macromolecules for structural studies.
• Analyze and interpret complex biophysical data (diffraction data, NMR spectra, cryo-EM maps).
• Develop computational models and simulations to complement experiments.
• Collaborate with researchers across disciplines to address biological questions.
• Write scientific manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals.
• Present findings at national and international conferences.
• Mentor graduate students and postdocs in the lab.

Skills

Team collaboration

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in Biophysics or Biochemistry

Tools

X-ray crystallography

NMR spectroscopy

cryo-EM

Single-molecule techniques

Protein expression

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding fundamental biological processes and developing novel therapeutics, is seeking a Senior Biophysicist to join their dynamic team in Nelspruit . This role is essential for investigating the structure, dynamics, and function of key biological macromolecules, particularly proteins and nucleic acids. You will leverage a variety of advanced biophysical techniques to tackle challenging research questions related to molecular mechanisms of disease and drug action. The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, or a related field, with extensive hands-on experience in techniques such as X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), or single-molecule techniques. You will work closely with experimental biologists and computational modelers to drive research forward. This position requires a deep understanding of biophysical principles and a passion for translating complex structural data into biological insights. Join a world-class research environment committed to scientific discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments using advanced biophysical techniques to determine the structure and dynamics of proteins and other biomolecules.
• Purify and characterize biological macromolecules for structural studies.
• Analyze and interpret complex biophysical data (e.g., diffraction data, NMR spectra, cryo-EM maps).
• Develop computational models and simulations to complement experimental findings.
• Collaborate with researchers across disciplines to address key biological questions.
• Contribute to the development of new biophysical methodologies and instrumentation.
• Write scientific manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Mentor graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the laboratory.
• Maintain detailed records of experimental procedures and results.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral research experience in structural biology or biophysics.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one major structural biology technique (X-ray crystallography, NMR, cryo-EM).
• Experience in protein expression, purification, and biochemical characterization.
• Proficiency in structure determination and refinement software.
• Strong understanding of protein structure, function, and dynamics.
• Experience with biophysical techniques such as SPR, ITC, or fluorescence spectroscopy is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a research team.
• A passion for fundamental biological research and its translational potential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conference travel.
• Access to state-of-the-