Senior Molecular Biologist - Gene Editing

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein is seeking a Senior Molecular Biologist specialized in gene editing to lead research on CRISPR-Cas9 applications for therapeutic development. You will design and execute experiments, optimize gene editing strategies, and contribute to preclinical development within a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires a PhD in molecular biology or a related field and at least five years of post‑doctoral experience focusing on gene editing, with hands‑on CRISPR, cloning,

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years post-doctoral research experience with a focus on gene editing.
• Extensive hands-on CRISPR-Cas9 editing, including guide RNA design and delivery methods.
• Proficiency in molecular cloning, mammalian cell culture, and common molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, Western blot, NGS prep).
• Experience with bioinformatics tools for analyzing gene editing outcomes is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and excellent organizational abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute CRISPR-Cas9 experiments.
• Optimize gene-editing protocols for various cell types.
• Develop and validate molecular assays to assess editing efficiency and off-target effects.
• Clonally isolate and characterize modified cell lines.
• Collaborate with the team to define research objectives and interpret results.
• Contribute to development of gene therapy strategies.
• Stay updated on advances in gene editing and molecular biology.
• Publish findings and present at scientific meetings.

Skills

CRISPR-Cas9

Molecular editing

Mammalian cell culture

PCR/qPCR

Cloning

NGS (next-gen sequencing)

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

NGS platforms

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge biotechnology company based in Bloemfontein, is actively seeking a Senior Molecular Biologist specializing in Gene Editing technologies. This crucial role will involve spearheading research into the application of CRISPR-Cas9 and other gene-editing tools for therapeutic development. You will be responsible for designing and executing experiments, optimizing gene-editing strategies, and contributing to the preclinical development of novel gene therapies. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of molecular biology, extensive hands‑on experience with gene‑editing techniques, and a passion for innovation. Working in state‑of-the-art facilities in Bloemfontein, Free State you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in genetic medicine.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 and other gene-editing technologies.
• Optimize protocols for efficient and precise gene editing in various cell types and model systems.
• Develop and validate molecular assays to assess gene-editing efficiency and off‑target effects.
• Clonally isolate and characterize cell lines with specific genetic modifications.
• Collaborate with team members to define research objectives and interpret experimental results.
• Contribute to the development of strategies for the therapeutic application of gene editing.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in gene editing technology and molecular biology.
• Author research reports, contribute to publications, and present findings at scientific meetings.

Requirements

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral research experience with a strong focus on gene editing technologies.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with CRISPR‑Cas9 editing, including guide RNA design and delivery methods.
• Proficiency in molecular cloning, mammalian cell culture, and various molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, qPCR, Western blotting, NGS library preparation).
• Experience with bioinformatics tools for analyzing gene editing outcomes is a plus.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and excellent organizational abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced research environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including health and retirement plans, and significant opportunities for professional growth. You will be part of an innovative research team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of gene therapy. Join us in Bloemfontein and contribute to the future of genetic medicine.