Senior Research Associate - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Training and development opportunities

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Research Associate to join its Drug Discovery team in Soweto. This role involves hands-on design and execution of experiments to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets, in collaboration with senior scientists, within a hybrid work setup.

The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of lab experience in molecular biology and drug discovery, with proficiency in PCR, Western blot, cell culture and ELISA, and strong data-analysis skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science field.
• 3-5 years of relevant laboratory research experience, preferably in a drug discovery setting.
• Proficiency in fundamental molecular and cell biology techniques (e.g., PCR, Western blotting, cell culture, ELISA).
• Experience with assay development and data analysis is highly desirable.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of laboratory experiments in molecular and cellular biology to support drug discovery programs.
• Assist in the design and execution of assays for target identification and validation.
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records and contribute to data analysis.
• Troubleshoot experimental procedures and propose solutions to challenges.
• Collaborate effectively with team members and contribute to group discussions and project meetings.
• Manage laboratory inventory and maintain a safe and organized working environment.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell biology

PCR

Western blot

Cell culture

ELISA

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Biology/ Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology

Tools

PCR machine

Western blot equipment

ELISA reader

Cell culture facilities

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Research Associate to join their Drug Discovery team in Soweto. This role is critical in supporting early-stage research efforts by designing and executing experiments aimed at identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets. You will work closely with senior scientists to contribute to the development of innovative treatments for unmet medical needs. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated researcher to gain valuable experience in a collaborative R&D environment and contribute to impactful scientific advancements, with the benefit of a hybrid work arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of laboratory experiments in molecular and cellular biology to support drug discovery programs.
• Assist in the design and execution of assays for target identification and validation.
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records and contribute to data analysis.
• Troubleshoot experimental procedures and propose solutions to challenges.
• Collaborate effectively with team members and contribute to group discussions and project meetings.
• Manage laboratory inventory and maintain a safe and organized working environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science field.
• 3-5 years of relevant laboratory research experience, preferably in a drug discovery setting.
• Proficiency in fundamental molecular and cell biology techniques (e.g., PCR, Western blotting, cell culture, ELISA).
• Experience with assay development and data analysis is highly desirable.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for training and professional development.
• Hybrid work schedule offering flexibility.
• Collaborative research environment focused on scientific growth.
• Contribute to meaningful drug discovery research.