Senior Biophysicist specializing in Advanced Molecular Modeling

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Professional development support

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Biophysicist to join a leading bioscience research institution in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. You will drive computational modeling across biomolecular systems and lead interdisciplinary collaborations with chemists, biologists, and physicists.

You will mentor junior scientists, direct projects, and contribute to strategic research directions while publishing results at high-impact journals.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Physics, Chemistry, Computational Biology, or related field.
• 5+ years of post‑doctoral research in computational biophysics or related area.
• Proven expertise with molecular dynamics packages (GROMACS/NAMD/AMBER) and Linux/Unix.
• Proficiency in Python, C++, or Fortran for data analysis and scripting.
• Strong background in statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics as applied to biology.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and work in a team.
• Track record of publications and presentations.
• Experience with high-performance computing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop computational models for biomolecular systems.
• Perform molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo simulations, and other computational techniques.
• Analyze simulation data to extract biological insights.
• Collaborate with experimental teams to validate predictions.
• Present findings at conferences and publish in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Mentor and supervise junior researchers and postdoctoral fellows.
• Contribute to grant writing and securing external funding.
• Stay updated on advances in biophysics and molecular modeling.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

Computational modeling

Analytical thinking

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Biophysics or related field

Tools

GROMACS

NAMD

AMBER

Python

C++

Fortran

Linux/Unix

HPC environments

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading bioscience research institution in **Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA**, is seeking an accomplished Senior Biophysicist to drive innovation in molecular modeling. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research at the intersection of physics, biology, and chemistry. You will be instrumental in developing and applying computational models to understand complex biological systems at the molecular level. The role involves significant collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including computational chemists, structural biologists, and experimentalists. You will be expected to lead projects, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to the strategic direction of our research initiatives. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of biophysical principles and extensive experience in computational simulations. This position offers a dynamic work environment within a state-of-the‑art research facility, fostering scientific curiosity and professional growth. Located in the scenic coastal city of **Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA**, this role provides a balance between demanding research and a high quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced computational models for the study of biomolecular systems, including proteins, nucleic acids, and membranes.
• Perform molecular dynamics simulations, Monte Carlo simulations, and other computational techniques to investigate molecular interactions, dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Analyze simulation data to extract meaningful biological insights and to guide experimental design.
• Collaborate with experimental teams to validate computational predictions and to interpret experimental results.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and publish results in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Mentor and supervise junior researchers and postdoctoral fellows.
• Contribute to grant writing and secure external funding for research projects.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in biophysics, computational chemistry, and molecular modeling.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Physics, Chemistry, Computational Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post‑doctoral research experience in computational biophysics or a closely related area.
• Proven expertise in molecular dynamics software packages (e.g., GROMACS, NAMD, AMBER) and solid understanding of Linux/Unix environments.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Fortran for data analysis and script development.
• Strong background in statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics as applied to biological systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of publications and presentations.
• Experience with high‑performance computing (HPC) environments is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive benefits including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and generous annual leave. Opportunities for professional development, conference attendance, and further training are actively supported. The company fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and work‑life balance. Relocation assistance may be provided for candidates relocating to **Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA**. This role is based in a stimulating research environment with access to cutting‑edge technology and resources, making it an ideal position for a motivated and experienced biophysicist looking to make a significant impact.