Senior Molecular Biologist (Drug Discovery)

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & bonuses

Medical aid & retirement fund

Hybrid work model

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is sourcing a Senior Molecular Biologist for a Centurion-based role that blends in-lab work with remote contributions. The position focuses on identifying and validating drug targets, designing experiments, and analyzing complex data within a collaborative team.

The ideal candidate will have 6+ years in molecular biology for drug discovery, expertise with PCR/qPCR/Western blot, and a track record in mammalian cell culture and data interpretation, in a hybrid work setting.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant industry experience in molecular biology with focus on drug discovery.
• Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis (including statistics), and interpretation.
• Experience with cell culture, primary cell isolation, and mammalian cell line maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and execute molecular biology experiments including cloning, PCR, qPCR, Western blotting, and cell-based assays.
• Identify, validate, and characterize novel drug targets using molecular and cellular techniques.
• Develop and implement robust screening assays for compound evaluation.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical software and interpret results to guide research.
• Prepare research reports, presentations, and scientific publications and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Experimental design

Statistical analysis

Scientific writing

Independent working

Education

MSc or PhD in Molecular Biology or related

Tools

PCR

qPCR

Western blot

Cell culture

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic pharmaceutical research company, is looking for an experienced Senior Molecular Biologist to contribute to their innovative drug discovery programs. This role is based in Centurion, Gauteng, and offers a hybrid working arrangement, blending essential in-lab work with the flexibility of remote contribution. You will play a crucial role in identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets, designing and executing experiments, and analyzing complex biological data. This position is ideal for a highly motivated scientist eager to make a tangible impact on developing life-changing medicines. You will work within a collaborative team environment, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to drive research forward.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and execute complex molecular biology experiments, including cloning, PCR, qPCR, Western blotting, and cell-based assays.
• Identify, validate, and characterize novel drug targets using a range of molecular and cellular techniques.
• Develop and implement robust screening assays for compound evaluation.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical software and interpret results to guide further research.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, presentations, and scientific publications.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemists and pharmacologists.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and documentation in compliance with industry standards.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and develop creative solutions.
• Stay updated on the latest scientific literature and advancements in molecular biology and drug discovery.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant industry experience in molecular biology, with a strong focus on drug discovery.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with a wide array of molecular biology techniques and instrumentation.
• Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis (including statistical analysis), and interpretation.
• Experience with cell culture, primary cell isolation, and mammalian cell line maintenance.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and databases is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a hybrid setting.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance‑based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunity to work on impactful drug discovery projects.
• Access to advanced laboratory facilities and technologies.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A hybrid work model balancing in‑office collaboration with remote flexibility.
• Generous annual leave policy.
• Relocation assistance may be considered.