Senior Molecular Biologist – NGS, Bioinformatics & Mentorship

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension scheme

Paid time off

Professional development (conferences)

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Senior Molecular Biologist to lead gene sequencing projects. You will design and execute NGS experiments, optimize DNA/RNA extraction and library prep, and analyze data for robust conclusions.

Requires a Ph.D. or Master’s in a related field with 5+ years in molecular biology, proficiency in R/Python/SAS, and previous supervisory experience. Mentors junior researchers in a fast-paced, collaborative lab.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on molecular biology research experience.
• Experience with gene sequencing techniques (NGS, Sanger).
• Proficiency in DNA/RNA isolation and purification methods.
• Experience with library prep kits/protocols for major sequencing platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct complex molecular biology experiments focusing on NGS and bioinformatics analysis.
• Develop and optimize DNA/RNA extraction and library preparation protocols.
• Perform data analysis, interpretation, and reporting with emphasis on reproducibility.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges and ensure project timelines.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to publications and patents.

Skills

Data analysis

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Scientific writing

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. or Master's in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

R

Python

SAS

Illumina sequencing

Job description

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Senior Molecular Biologist to lead gene sequencing projects. You will design and execute NGS experiments, optimize DNA/RNA extraction and library prep, and analyze data for robust conclusions.

Requires a Ph.D. or Master’s in a related field with 5+ years in molecular biology, proficiency in R/Python/SAS, and previous supervisory experience. Mentors junior researchers in a fast-paced, collaborative lab.