Senior Biophysicist (Structural Biology)

Placements24; Upington; Presencial; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.700.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Health insurance

Dental plan

Retirement plan

Professional development funding

Conference attendance

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Biophysicist specializing in Structural Biology to join our renowned research client in Upington, Northern Cape. You will lead projects to determine the 3D structures of proteins and complexes using X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, or NMR, and guide expression, purification, and data analysis.

The role requires a PhD and 5–7 years of experience in structural biology, with strong independence and collaboration.

Formación

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Structural Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of post-doctoral or industry research experience in structural biology.
• Extensive hands-on experience with at least one major structural determination technique.
• Proven expertise in protein expression, purification, and characterization.
• Proficiency in structural data analysis and molecular modeling software.
• Strong understanding of structure–function relationships.
• Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Responsabilidades

• Lead projects to determine structures of key biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, complexes).
• Optimize protein expression, purification, and characterization protocols.
• Perform structural determination using X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, or NMR.
• Analyze data, build models, and interpret functional significance.
• Collaborate with biochemists, molecular biologists, and computational scientists.
• Develop and implement novel structural biology methodologies.
• Maintain and operate state‑of‑the‑art biophysical instrumentation.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians.
• Prepare manuscripts for high‑impact journals.
• Present research at conferences and symposia.

Conocimientos

Project leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Independent work

Educación

PhD in Biophysics / Structural Biology

Herramientas

X-ray crystallography

cryo-EM

NMR spectroscopy

Molecular modeling software

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a renowned research organization focused on molecular mechanisms of disease, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Biophysicist specializing in Structural Biology to join their advanced laboratory in Upington, Northern Cape. This role is central to elucidating the three-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules and understanding their functional implications. You will lead projects involving protein expression, purification, crystallization, and structural determination using techniques such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, or NMR spectroscopy. We are seeking an expert biophysicist with a proven ability to solve complex structural biology challenges and contribute to drug discovery and fundamental biological research.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research projects aimed at determining the structures of key biological macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, complexes).
• Optimize protocols for protein expression, purification, and characterization.
• Perform structural determination using advanced biophysical techniques (e.g., X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, NMR).
• Analyze structural data, build models, and interpret the functional significance of molecular structures.
• Collaborate with biochemists, molecular biologists, and computational scientists to integrate structural findings.
• Develop and implement novel structural biology methodologies.
• Maintain and operate state-of-the-art biophysical instrumentation.
• Mentor junior scientists and technicians in structural biology techniques.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts for publication in high-impact journals.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and symposia.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biophysics, Structural Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of post-doctoral or industry research experience in structural biology.
• Extensive hands-on experience with at least one major structural determination technique (X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, or NMR).
• Proven expertise in protein expression, purification, and characterization.
• Proficiency in structural data analysis and molecular modeling software.
• Strong understanding of the principles of protein structure-function relationships.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex scientific data.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Experience with computational methods in structural biology is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• We provide excellent opportunities for professional development, including funding for specialized training, workshops, and attendance at international conferences.
• Employees will have access to cutting-edge structural biology facilities and advanced instrumentation.
• This role in Upington, Northern Cape , offers a unique opportunity to contribute to fundamental biological discoveries and therapeutic development in a stimulating research environment.
• We are committed to fostering scientific innovation and career growth.