Senior Molecular Biologist - Assay Development

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

retirement contributions

Professional advancement opportunities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a biotechnology leader in Soweto to recruit a Senior Molecular Biologist who will drive assay development for diagnostic and research applications. You will design and optimize PCR/qPCR/ddPCR‑based assays, oversee validation, and mentor a growing team in a state‑of‑the‑art lab.

The role emphasizes collaboration with bioinformaticians and clinical scientists, ensuring regulatory compliance and documenting procedures thoroughly.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in molecular biology or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of post‑doc or industry experience in assay development.
• Hands-on experience with PCR, qPCR and ddPCR.
• Experience with NGS library prep workflows and analysis is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology principles and regulatory awareness (CLIA/ISO).

Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel molecular assays using PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, isothermal amplification, and NGS.
• Optimize assay performance for sensitivity, specificity, robustness, and reproducibility.
• Validate molecular assays according to applicable guidelines and quality standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during assay development and validation.
• Characterize and implement new molecular biology technologies and reagents.
• Collaborate with upstream and downstream teams to ensure assay integration.
• Prepare detailed documentation, including experimental protocols and validation reports.
• Stay current with scientific literature and advancements in molecular biology.
• Mentor junior molecular biologists and contribute to team development.
• Ensure compliance with lab safety procedures and regulatory requirements at Soweto site.

Skills

PCR

qPCR

ddPCR

Bioinformatics

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or related field

Tools

NGS library preparation

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent biotechnology company dedicated to advancing diagnostic and therapeutic solutions, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Molecular Biologist to lead their assay development efforts in Soweto, Gauteng . This vital role involves the design, optimization, and validation of novel molecular assays for the detection and characterization of diseases. You will leverage your expertise in molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation, to create robust and sensitive assays. The position is based at our state-of-the-art research facility in Soweto , providing a collaborative and well-equipped laboratory environment. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of molecular mechanisms, nucleic acid chemistry, and experience in developing assays for diagnostic or research purposes. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including bioinformaticians and clinical scientists, to translate research discoveries into impactful tools. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative healthcare solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel molecular assays based on PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, isothermal amplification, and NGS technologies.
• Optimize assay performance for sensitivity, specificity, robustness, and reproducibility.
• Validate molecular assays according to relevant guidelines and quality standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues encountered during assay development and validation.
• Characterize and implement new molecular biology technologies and reagents.
• Collaborate with upstream and downstream teams (e.g., bioinformatics, clinical research) to ensure assay integration.
• Prepare detailed documentation, including experimental protocols, validation reports, and technical summaries.
• Stay current with scientific literature and advancements in molecular biology and assay development.
• Mentor junior molecular biologists and contribute to the scientific growth of the team.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and regulatory requirements at our Soweto site.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industrial experience in molecular biology assay development.
• Extensive hands-on experience with various nucleic acid amplification techniques (PCR, qPCR, ddPCR).
• Proven experience with NGS library preparation workflows and analysis is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology principles, nucleic acid chemistry, and gene expression analysis.
• Experience in assay validation and understanding of regulatory requirements (e.g., CLIA, ISO).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document research effectively.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a dynamic research environment in Soweto, Gauteng .
• Experience with bioinformatics tools for data analysis is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits program including medical aid, retirement contributions, and opportunities for professional advancement.
• The role offers exposure to cutting-edge molecular technologies and the chance to contribute to impactful healthcare innovations.
• Employees have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in Soweto and are part of a vibrant and collaborative research community.
• We foster a culture of scientific excellence and continuous learning.
• Relocation assistance may be available for highly qualified candidates.