Senior Immunologist Research Scientist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonuses

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with employer

Conference funding & professional dev.

Hybrid on-site lab work in Durban and

Paid time off (annual leave, sick days

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal seeks a Senior Immunologist Research Scientist to lead innovative immune modulation and therapy development projects. You will design cutting-edge experiments, analyze complex data, and collaborate across disciplines to translate discoveries into therapies for autoimmune diseases and cancer.

The role requires a Ph.D. in immunology with 6+ years of hands-on experience, strong publication record, and leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Immunology or related life science.
• Minimum 6 years of post-doctoral or industry research experience.
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry, cell culture, ELISA, and Western blot.
• Ability to design, execute, and interpret complex immunology experiments.
• Strong understanding of immune cell subsets and signaling.
• Demonstrated publications in reputable journals.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Team-oriented and collaborative research approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of complex immunology research projects.
• Investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune responses in disease contexts.
• Develop and optimize in vitro and in vivo immunological assays.
• Analyze and interpret complex immunological data (flow cytometry, ELISpot, cytokine profiling).
• Collaborate with pre-clinical and clinical teams to advance therapeutic candidates.
• Mentor junior research staff and contribute to scientific strategy.
• Prepare high-quality manuscripts for publication.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Manage laboratory resources and ensure safety protocols.

Skills

Immunology

Flow cytometry

Cell culture

ELISA

Western blot

Data analysis

Publications

Critical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Immunology

Tools

FlowJo

GraphPad Prism

Statistical software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering biotechnology company situated in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Immunologist Research Scientist to spearhead innovative research in immune system modulation and therapy development. This is a critical role where you will lead independent research projects, investigate complex immunological mechanisms, and contribute to the discovery of next-generation treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer. You will be responsible for designing and conducting cutting-edge experiments, analyzing complex data, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of scientists. The ideal candidate will possess extensive hands-on experience in immunology, a strong publication record, and a passion for translating scientific discoveries into tangible therapeutic solutions. The Durban, KwaZulu-Natal location provides a unique setting for this exciting research opportunity, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and collaborative innovation. We are dedicated to creating an environment where scientific curiosity thrives and groundbreaking research is supported.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of complex immunology research projects.
• Investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune responses in disease contexts.
• Develop and optimize in vitro and in vivo immunological assays.
• Analyze and interpret complex immunological data, including flow cytometry, ELISpot, and cytokine profiling.
• Collaborate closely with pre-clinical and clinical teams to advance therapeutic candidates.
• Mentor junior research staff and contribute to scientific strategy.
• Prepare high-quality manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences.
• Manage laboratory resources and ensure adherence to safety protocols.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant post-doctoral or industry research experience.
• Extensive hands-on experience with various immunological techniques (e.g., flow cytometry, cell culture, ELISA, Western blotting).
• Proven ability to design, execute, and interpret complex immunological experiments.
• Strong understanding of immune cell subsets, signaling pathways, and immune regulation.
• Demonstrated track record of scientific publications in reputable journals.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Experience with animal models of disease is advantageous.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., FlowJo, GraphPad Prism).

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package with potential for annual bonuses based on performance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans are provided for employees and their dependents.
• A generous retirement savings plan with employer matching is available.
• Opportunities for professional growth include funding for conferences, workshops, and further academic pursuits.
• This hybrid role allows for a blend of on-site laboratory work in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and remote flexibility.
• We provide a generous allotment of paid time off, including annual leave, sick days, and public holidays.
• Access to state-of-the‑art research facilities and a collaborative scientific environment enhances career development.
• This is a chance to be part of a forward-thinking organization making a real difference.