Senior Protein Biochemist

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and retirement benefits

Career growth opportunities

Modern research facilities in East Lon

Job summary

Our client in East London, Eastern Cape seeks a Senior Protein Biochemist to lead protein characterization, purification, and functional assessment for therapeutic proteins. The role emphasizes protein chemistry, biophysical analyses, and kinetics within a collaborative R&D team.

Ideal candidates have a PhD with 5+ years in protein biochemistry, expression, and chromatographic purification, and strong communication skills to present data to senior management.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Perform purification and characterization of recombinant proteins using chromatographic techniques (affinity, ion-exchange, size-exclusion).
• Conduct biophysical and biochemical analyses to assess 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 programs.
• Analyze data and present findings to project teams and management.
• Stay updated on advancements in protein biochemistry and characterization methods.
• Contribute to technical reports, manuscripts, and regulatory documentation.

Skills

Protein chemistry

Biophysical characterization

Enzyme kinetics

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Biophysics/Molecular Biology

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.