Senior Protein Biochemist - Lead Drug Discovery Programs

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

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