Senior Protein Biochemist - Enzyme Engineering

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Vacation leave

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Protein Biochemist specializing in enzyme engineering for a Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA based role. You will design, characterize, and optimize enzymes for diverse industrial applications in a collaborative research environment.

The role combines hands‑on lab work with flexible remote engagement. A PhD with 5+ years in protein biochemistry and enzyme engineering is required, along with recombinant expression and purification experience.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or related field with strong protein/enzyme focus.
• Minimum 5 years of post‑doctoral or industry experience in protein biochemistry and enzyme engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in recombinant protein expression and purification techniques.
• Proven expertise in enzyme assay development, kinetic analysis, and protein engineering methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments for protein expression, purification, and characterization of enzymes.
• Apply directed evolution and rational design to engineer enzymes with improved activity, stability, and specificity.
• Develop and optimize enzymatic assays for performance evaluation.
• Characterize enzyme kinetics and thermodynamics using biochemical and biophysical techniques.
• Integrate enzyme engineering efforts with downstream process development.
• Analyze data and present findings to research teams and stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot protein expression and purification challenges.
• Stay current with advancements in protein biochemistry and biocatalysis.
• Contribute to patent applications and scientific publications.

Skills

Protein biochemistry

Enzyme engineering

Directed evolution

Rational design

Recombinant expression

Purification techniques

Kinetic analysis

Biophysical characterization

Data analysis

Communication

Education

PhD in Biochemistry or related field

Tools

Chromatography

SPR

ITC

Spectroscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic leader in industrial biotechnology, is seeking a Senior Protein Biochemist specializing in enzyme engineering. This key role, based in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA, is pivotal in the design, characterization, and optimization of enzymes for various industrial applications. You will contribute to cutting‑edge research aimed at developing novel biocatalysts with enhanced performance and specificity. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to work in a collaborative research environment in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA, leveraging advanced biochemical techniques and state‑of‑the‑art facilities. The hybrid nature of this role balances focused lab work with flexible remote engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments for protein expression, purification, and characterization of enzymes.
• Apply directed evolution and rational design strategies to engineer enzymes with improved catalytic activity, stability, and substrate specificity.
• Develop and optimize enzymatic assays for performance evaluation.
• Characterize enzyme kinetics and thermodynamics using various biochemical and biophysical techniques.
• Integrate enzyme engineering efforts with downstream process development.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, presenting findings to research teams and stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot protein expression and purification challenges.
• Stay current with advancements in protein biochemistry, enzyme engineering, and biocatalysis.
• Contribute to patent applications and scientific publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or a related field with a strong focus on protein or enzyme science.
• Minimum of 5 years of post‑doctoral or industry experience in protein biochemistry and enzyme engineering.
• Proven experience in recombinant protein expression (e.g., E. coli, yeast) and purification techniques (e.g., chromatography).
• Demonstrated expertise in enzyme assay development and kinetic analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with protein engineering methodologies (directed evolution, rational design).
• Proficiency in biochemical and biophysical characterization techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, SPR, ITC).
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Experience working within a research setting in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA is advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and ample vacation leave.

Employees have access to modern laboratory equipment and a supportive research culture in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA. The company encourages continuous learning and offers opportunities for professional growth. Join a leading team at the forefront of enzyme innovation and contribute to sustainable industrial solutions.