Senior Research Fellow - Immunology

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Employer retirement matching

Cutting-edge facilities

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Research Fellow in Immunology for our client, a leading research institute in Benoni, Gauteng. You will lead independent projects exploring immune mechanisms, and contribute to novel immunotherapies with a strong publication record.

The role is full-time and on-site, requiring leadership, grant writing, and collaboration with national and international partners. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or related field.
• 5-7 years post-doctoral research experience with strong publications.
• Proven immunology techniques including flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting.
• Ability to design and conduct complex experiments and interpret results.
• Experience leading projects and mentoring junior scientists.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage independent immunology projects.
• Investigate immune mechanisms in health and disease.
• Develop and optimize assays for immune cell analysis.
• Supervise and mentor researchers and staff in the lab.
• Lead data analysis and present findings at conferences and in journals.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners and secure funding.

Skills

Leadership & mentoring

Scientific writing

Collaborative work

Presentation skills

Grant writing

Education

PhD in Immunology or related

Tools

Flow cytometry

ELISA

Western blotting

Cell culture

Molecular cloning

Data analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading research institute dedicated to advancing human health, is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Fellow specializing in Immunology. This role requires full-time, on-site dedication at our advanced research facilities in Benoni, Gauteng, ZA. You will lead independent research projects, investigate complex immunological mechanisms, and contribute to the development of novel immunotherapies. This is an exceptional opportunity to work within a dynamic, collaborative environment alongside world-renowned scientists. We are seeking a candidate with a strong publication record, a deep understanding of immune cell biology and signaling pathways, and a passion for translating fundamental research into clinical applications. Your leadership and expertise will be vital in shaping the future of our immunology research division.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage independent research projects focused on critical questions in immunology.
• Investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying immune responses in health and disease.
• Develop and optimize novel experimental assays for analyzing immune cell function, cytokine production, and cell-cell interactions.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and technical staff within the lab.
• Analyze experimental data using advanced statistical methods and interpret results to guide future research directions.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences and contribute to high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with other research groups within the institute and with external partners.
• Secure external funding through grant writing and proposals.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the immunology research program.
• Ensure adherence to ethical guidelines and laboratory safety protocols.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of post-doctoral research experience with a strong publication record in reputable scientific journals.
• Proven expertise in immunological techniques, including flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting, cell culture, and molecular cloning.
• Demonstrated ability to design and conduct complex experiments, analyze data rigorously, and interpret results effectively.
• Experience in leading research projects and mentoring junior scientists.
• Strong understanding of innate and adaptive immunity, immune signaling pathways, and cellular immunology.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Experience with grant writing and securing research funding is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and statistical methodologies.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Our state-of-the-art research facilities provide access to cutting-edge equipment and technologies.
• We offer generous opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance and specialized training.
• A substantial paid time off policy is provided.
• Retirement savings plans with employer matching are available.
• Our client fosters a vibrant and collaborative research environment dedicated to scientific discovery and innovation.