Senior Protein Biochemist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Annual leave

Training & conference support

Retirement annuity

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Protein Biochemist in Centurion to lead recombinant protein expression and purification efforts within a dynamic Protein Sciences division. The role emphasizes driving protein characterization, functional assays, and collaborations with structural biologists to support drug discovery.

The successful candidate will mentor junior scientists, contribute to publications, and help shape strategy in a state-of-the-art research environment dedicated to advancing new

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology or related field.
• Minimum 5 years post-PhD experience in protein biochemistry, preferably in pharma/biotech.
• Extensive recombinant protein expression and purification experience.
• Proficient in biochemical and biophysical characterization methods.
• Experience with functional assay development for enzymes or binding proteins.
• Strong structure–function understanding and publications track record.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of recombinant protein expression and purification.
• Develop protein characterization techniques (MS, HPLC/FPLC, spectroscopy, gel).
• Perform functional assays to assess activity and kinetics.
• Utilize structural biology methods (crystallography, cryo-EM) to interpret data.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to publications and proposals.
• Ensure compliance with safety and GLP-like lab practices.

Skills

Protein expression

Protein purification

Mass spectrometry

Biophysical characterization

Crystallography / cryo-EM

Mentoring juniors

Education

PhD in Biochemistry / Biophysics / Molecular Biology

Tools

Mass spectrometry

HPLC/FPLC

Crystallography / Cryo-EM

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent pharmaceutical research company situated in Centurion, Gauteng , is actively recruiting for a Senior Protein Biochemist to join their Protein Sciences division. This role is critical for advancing our understanding and manipulation of protein structures and functions, particularly in the context of therapeutic development. You will be responsible for designing and executing experiments focused on protein expression, purification, characterization, and functional analysis. The ideal candidate will have a deep expertise in protein biochemistry and a strong track record in drug discovery research. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to pipeline advancement and influence research strategy within a highly collaborative and scientifically rigorous environment. We are looking for an individual who can lead complex projects, mentor junior scientists, and drive innovation in protein science. Our client is committed to excellence and provides state-of-the-art facilities to support groundbreaking research. The successful applicant will work on challenging projects that aim to bring novel therapies to patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of experiments for the recombinant expression and purification of target proteins, including soluble and membrane proteins.
• Develop and implement various protein characterization techniques, such as mass spectrometry, chromatography (HPLC, FPLC), spectroscopy (UV-Vis, CD), and gel electrophoresis.
• Perform functional assays to assess protein activity, binding kinetics, and enzyme kinetics.
• Utilize structural biology techniques (e.g., crystallography, cryo-EM preparation) to understand protein structure-function relationships.
• Troubleshoot and optimize protein production and purification protocols.
• Collaborate with structural biologists, molecular biologists, and medicinal chemists to support drug discovery programs.
• Analyze and interpret complex biochemical and biophysical data, generating clear and concise reports.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and research associates in protein biochemistry techniques.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals, reports, and publications.
• Ensure adherence to all laboratory safety standards and good laboratory practices.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-Ph.D. experience in protein biochemistry, preferably within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Extensive experience in recombinant protein expression (e.g., E. coli, insect cells, mammalian cells) and purification techniques.
• Proficiency in a broad range of biochemical and biophysical characterization methods.
• Demonstrated experience with functional assay development and execution for enzyme or binding proteins.
• Strong understanding of protein structure-function relationships.
• Experience with mass spectrometry for protein identification and characterization is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with a history of scientific publications.
• Previous experience in mentoring junior scientists is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• An annual salary between R and R , based on experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive medical coverage, including medical aid and optical benefits.
• Generous annual leave and company holidays.
• Opportunities for advanced training, conference attendance, and professional growth.
• Access to cutting-edge instrumentation and well-equipped laboratory facilities.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses and recognition.
• A collaborative research environment focused on impactful scientific discoveries.
• Retirement annuity fund with employer contributions.