Senior Molecular Biologist - Assay Development

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni is seeking a Senior Molecular Biologist to lead assay development in the research division. You will design, optimize, and validate molecular assays for diagnostics, drug screening, and fundamental biological research.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in molecular biology or related field with at least five years’ hands-on experience in techniques such as PCR, qPCR, ELISA and NGS library prep, and excels at problem solving and cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in molecular biology research, with a strong focus on assay development.
• Proven expertise in a wide range of molecular biology techniques and instrumentation.
• Experience in assay validation and characterization according to industry standards.
• Strong understanding of experimental design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize, and validate novel molecular assays for research and diagnostic applications.
• Perform complex molecular biology experiments, including DNA/RNA isolation, cloning, gene expression analysis, and protein interaction studies.
• Troubleshoot assay performance issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions to ensure assay robustness and reliability.
• Characterize assay performance metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including bioinformaticians and software engineers, to integrate assays into larger platforms.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, document experimental procedures, and prepare technical reports and presentations.

Skills

Molecular biology expertise

Experimental design

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology

Tools

PCR

qPCR

ELISA

NGS library prep

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Senior Molecular Biologist to lead innovative projects in assay development within their research division in Benoni . This role is central to designing, optimizing, and validating cutting-edge molecular assays for applications such as diagnostics, drug screening, and fundamental biological research. You will work at the forefront of molecular biology, utilizing advanced techniques to create sensitive, specific, and robust assays that drive scientific discovery and therapeutic development. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of molecular biology principles, extensive hands‑on laboratory experience, and a passion for problem‑solving and innovation within a dynamic research setting, contributing to the advancement of new technologies and platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, optimize, and validate novel molecular assays (e.g., PCR, qPCR, ELISA, NGS library prep) for various research and diagnostic applications.
• Perform complex molecular biology experiments, including DNA/RNA isolation, cloning, gene expression analysis, and protein interaction studies.
• Troubleshoot assay performance issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions to ensure assay robustness and reliability.
• Characterize assay performance metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including bioinformaticians and software engineers, to integrate assays into larger platforms.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks, document experimental procedures, and prepare technical reports and presentations.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in molecular biology research, with a strong focus on assay development .
• Proven expertise in a wide range of molecular biology techniques and instrumentation.
• Experience in assay validation and characterization according to industry standards.
• Strong understanding of experimental design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation.
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities, attention to detail, and strong communication skills for effective collaboration in Benoni .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, attending scientific conferences, and career growth in molecular biology .
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and cutting‑edge research technologies in Benoni .