Senior Structural Biologist - Protein Dynamics

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive benefits package

Access to cutting-edge instrumentation

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Structural Biologist based in Kimberley, Northern Cape, with a PhD and at least 5 years in protein structure work. The role focuses on protein dynamics, structure determination, and interdisciplinary collaboration in a hybrid lab environment.

You will use X-ray crystallography and Cryo-EM, plan experiments for expression and purification, and contribute to publications and grant activities. A strong background in biophysics and biochemistry is essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years post-PhD research experience in structural biology, focused on protein structure determination.
• Expertise in X-ray crystallography or Cryo-EM.
• Experience with protein expression, purification, and biophysical characterization.
• Proficiency in structural modeling software (Phenix, CCP-EM, PyMOL).

Responsibilities

• Determine high-resolution structures of macromolecules using X-ray crystallography and/or Cryo-EM.
• Investigate protein dynamics and conformational changes with advanced techniques.
• Plan and execute protein expression, purification, crystallization, and data collection.
• Analyze structural data and integrate with functional information.
• Collaborate with computational biologists, chemists, and biologists on structure-function.
• Publish findings and present at conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to grant writing.

Skills

X-ray crystallography

Cryo-EM

Protein expression

Biophysical characterization

Molecular biology

Communication

Education

PhD in Structural Biology

Tools

Phenix

CCP-EM

PyMOL

CryoSPARC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading research institution dedicated to unlocking the secrets of molecular mechanisms, is seeking a Senior Structural Biologist to investigate protein dynamics and their functional implications. This role is pivotal in understanding how proteins move and interact, which is crucial for drug discovery and understanding disease at a molecular level. Based in Kimberley, Northern Cape , our facility offers a dynamic hybrid work environment, combining collaborative research in state-of-the-art labs with the flexibility of remote analysis and data interpretation. You will employ advanced techniques, including X-ray crystallography, Cryo-EM, and biophysical methods, to elucidate complex protein structures and their conformational changes. The ideal candidate is an expert in structural biology, with a passion for deciphering the intricate world of protein function and a strong drive for scientific discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Determine high-resolution structures of key biological macromolecules, particularly proteins and their complexes, using X-ray crystallography and/or Cryo-EM.
• Investigate protein dynamics and conformational changes using advanced structural biology and biophysical techniques.
• Plan and execute experimental strategies for protein expression, purification, crystallization, and data collection.
• Analyze and interpret structural data, integrating it with functional and biochemical information.
• Collaborate with computational biologists, chemists, and biologists to understand structure-function relationships.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in structural biology, instrumentation, and computational tools.
• Author peer-reviewed publications and present research findings at scientific meetings.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to grant writing and project management.

Requirements

• PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or equivalent research experience in structural biology, with a focus on protein structure determination and analysis.
• Demonstrated expertise in either X-ray crystallography or Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM).
• Experience with protein expression, purification, and biophysical characterization techniques.
• Proficiency in structural modeling and analysis software (e.g., Phenix, CCP-EM, PyMOL).
• Strong understanding of protein biochemistry and molecular biology.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a hybrid research setting.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and significant opportunities for professional growth and development. Working within our modern research facility in Kimberley, Northern Cape , you will have access to cutting-edge instrumentation and the support of a highly skilled scientific community. Our hybrid work model is designed to foster productivity and work-life balance. Join us to make significant contributions to our understanding of molecular mechanisms and disease.