Senior Molecular Diagnostics Scientist - Innovation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Salary bonus

Healthcare coverage

Paid leave

Learning opportunities

Lab equipment access

Culture of innovation

Wellness programs

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Research Scientist to join its Molecular Diagnostics team in Gauteng. The role focuses on designing, developing, and validating novel diagnostic assays for early disease detection and monitoring, using PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, and NGS.

You will lead experiments, analyse data, and generate reports to drive patient outcomes. A PhD or MSc in life sciences plus 4+ years of hands-on experience in assay development is required, with GLP/regulatory exposure preferred.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in molecular biology or related field.
• At least 4 years of hands-on experience in developing and validating molecular diagnostic assays.
• Strong knowledge of molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, nucleic acid isolation).
• NGS library prep and sequencing experience desirable.
• Proficient in data analysis and statistics.
• Excellent documentation and record-keeping.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Experience in regulated environments (ISO CLIA) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise molecular diagnostic assays via PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, and NGS.
• Design and execute experiments to validate assay performance.
• Analyse data, interpret results, and generate reports.
• Troubleshoot technical issues during assay development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to progress projects.
• Support regulatory submissions and scientific publications.
• Maintain GLP-compliant lab records.
• Stay updated with literature and tech advances.
• Characterise and validate novel biomarkers.

Skills

PCR

qPCR

ddPCR

NGS

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Statistics

Documentation

Independent work

Communication

Education

PhD or Master's in Molecular Biology/Related Life Sciences

Tools

NGS platforms

Data analysis software

Statistical tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Research Scientist to join its Molecular Diagnostics team in Gauteng. The role focuses on designing, developing, and validating novel diagnostic assays for early disease detection and monitoring, using PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, and NGS.

You will lead experiments, analyse data, and generate reports to drive patient outcomes. A PhD or MSc in life sciences plus 4+ years of hands-on experience in assay development is required, with GLP/regulatory exposure preferred.