Senior Protein Biochemist

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, Eastern Cape is seeking a Senior Protein Biochemist to lead purification, characterization, and functional assessment of therapeutic proteins in a dynamic R&D team.

You will use chromatography, biophysical tools, and activity assays to advance protein programs, interpret data, and contribute to reports and regulatory documents.

The role emphasizes collaboration across biology, formulation, and development teams in a cutting-edge biotherapeutics environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in protein biochemistry and purification.
• Proven expertise in protein expression (e.g., E. coli, mammalian cells), purification, and characterization.
• Strong experience with biophysical techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, CD spectroscopy, DSC, and ITC.
• Proficiency in enzyme kinetics and protein-protein interaction analysis.
• Experience with various chromatographic methods is essential.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Experience with therapeutic protein development is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform purification and characterization of recombinant proteins using various chromatographic techniques (e.g., affinity, ion-exchange, size-exclusion).
• Conduct comprehensive biophysical and biochemical analyses to assess protein structure, stability, and function.
• Characterize enzyme kinetics and binding interactions of therapeutic proteins.
• Develop and optimize assays for protein activity and quality control.
• Troubleshoot protein expression and purification challenges.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists, cell biologists, and formulation scientists to advance protein therapeutic programs.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, presenting findings to project teams and senior management.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in protein biochemistry and biophysical characterization methods.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, manuscripts, and regulatory documentation.

Skills

Protein biochemistry

Protein purification

Protein expression

Enzyme kinetics

Biophysical characterization

Chromatography

UV-Vis spectroscopy

Fluorescence spectroscopy

CD spectroscopy

DSC

ITC

Analytical problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or related field

Tools

Chromatography

UV-Vis spectroscopy

Fluorescence spectroscopy

CD spectroscopy

DSC

ITC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent biotechnology company focused on developing novel protein-based therapeutics, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Protein Biochemist to join their R&D team in East London, Eastern Cape . This role is crucial for the characterization, purification, and functional assessment of therapeutic proteins. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in protein chemistry, biophysical characterization techniques, and enzyme kinetics. You will play a key role in understanding protein structure-function relationships, optimizing protein stability, and supporting the development of innovative biotherapeutics. Join a dynamic and collaborative team at the forefront of protein engineering and drug development.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform purification and characterization of recombinant proteins using various chromatographic techniques (e.g., affinity, ion-exchange, size-exclusion).
• Conduct comprehensive biophysical and biochemical analyses to assess protein structure, stability, and function.
• Characterize enzyme kinetics and binding interactions of therapeutic proteins.
• Develop and optimize assays for protein activity and quality control.
• Troubleshoot protein expression and purification challenges.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists, cell biologists, and formulation scientists to advance protein therapeutic programs.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, presenting findings to project teams and senior management.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in protein biochemistry and biophysical characterization methods.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, manuscripts, and regulatory documentation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in protein biochemistry and purification.
• Proven expertise in protein expression (e.g., E. coli, mammalian cells), purification, and characterization.
• Strong experience with biophysical techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, CD spectroscopy, DSC, and ITC.
• Proficiency in enzyme kinetics and protein‑protein interaction analysis.
• Experience with various chromatographic methods is essential.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Experience with therapeutic protein development is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Located in the scenic coastal city of East London , this role provides access to modern research facilities and a collaborative work environment.

We are committed to fostering innovation and supporting our employees' career aspirations.

Join a leading company that is making a difference in the field of protein therapeutics.