Senior Structural Biologist - Cryo-EM Specialist (Remote)

Placements24; Munrohoek; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Bonuses

Health & dental insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Conference attendance

Home office stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Structural Biologist with Cryo‑EM expertise to join a fully remote team focused on pharmaceutical structure determination. You will lead experimental design, data acquisition, and model building for high‑resolution structures of challenging protein targets relevant to drug discovery.

The role requires a Ph.D. with extensive post‑doctoral Cryo‑EM experience, hands‑on use of Krios/Talos and software like RELION, cisTEM, and cryoSPARC, and strong collaboration in

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in Structural Biology or related field.
• Minimum 6 years post‑doctoral Cryo‑EM experience.
• Proven track record with high‑resolution protein structures via Cryo‑EM.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute Cryo-EM experiments to determine structures of protein targets.
• Prepare samples and perform grid screening, data collection, processing.
• Build and refine atomic models into electron density maps.
• Collaborate with chemists/biologists for structure‑based drug design.
• Publish findings and contribute to IP through patents.

Education

Ph.D. in Structural Biology

Tools

Cryo-EM hardware (Krios/Talos)

RELION

cisTEM

cryoSPARC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering biopharmaceutical company dedicated to uncovering the molecular mechanisms of disease, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Structural Biologist with expertise in Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) to join their fully remote team. This role is critical for determining the high-resolution structures of challenging protein targets relevant to our drug discovery programs. As a remote-first specialist, you will leverage your deep understanding of structural biology and state-of-the-art Cryo-EM techniques to drive key projects forward. You will be responsible for experimental design, data acquisition, image processing, and model building, working independently and collaborating virtually with experimental biologists and computational chemists. The ideal candidate will possess a strong publication record, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and a passion for tackling complex structural biology challenges. We are committed to building a world-class remote research team that pushes the boundaries of scientific innovation. This is an unparalleled opportunity to contribute significantly to the development of novel therapeutics from your home office. The company fosters a collaborative and supportive remote work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute Cryo-EM experiments for the structural determination of protein complexes and small molecules.
• Perform sample preparation, grid screening, data collection, and processing using advanced Cryo-EM techniques.
• Utilize state-of-the‑art image processing software (e.g., RELION, cryoSPARC) for 3D reconstruction and refinement.
• Build and refine atomic models into electron density maps.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists and biologists to guide structure‑based drug design efforts.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges in sample preparation, data acquisition, and processing.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments and technologies in Cryo‑EM and related structural biology fields.
• Author scientific manuscripts for publication in high‑impact journals and present findings at scientific meetings.
• Contribute to intellectual property through patent applications.
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post‑doctoral experience focused on Cryo‑EM.
• Proven track record of successfully determining high‑resolution structures of proteins and protein complexes using Cryo‑EM.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with Cryo‑EM hardware (e.g., Krios, Talos) and software for data processing (e.g., RELION, cisTEM, cryoSPARC).
• Strong understanding of protein biochemistry, purification, and characterization techniques.
• Proficiency in molecular modeling and structure‑based drug design principles.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for remote collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage projects, and deliver results in a remote setting.
• Must be eligible to work remotely and reside within a reasonable distance or be prepared to travel to Mossel Bay, Western Cape, ZA for essential site visits if required, though the role is primarily remote.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package.
• Stock options and performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• Significant paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth and attendance at leading scientific conferences.
• Access to cutting‑edge Cryo‑EM facilities and computational resources.
• Supportive and forward‑thinking remote work culture.
• Home office equipment stipend.
• Contribution to life‑saving drug discovery.