Senior Synthetic Biologist - Metabolic Engineering

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 900.000 - 1.500.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Health insurance

Performance incentive

Professional development

Hybrid role

State-of-the-art facility access

Conference attendance support

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Synthetic Biologist to lead metabolic engineering research in Centurion, Gauteng. You will design and construct genetic circuits and pathways to produce high-value chemicals in microbial hosts.

You'll guide experimental strategies, analyze omics data, optimize fermentation, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate across disciplines to push sustainable biotech innovations.

Qualifikationen

• PhD in Synthetic Biology, Metabolic Engineering, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on metabolism engineering and synthetic biology post-PhD.
• Proven track record designing and testing genetic constructs and engineered pathways.
• Experience with common microbial hosts (E. coli, S. cerevisiae) and genetic manipulation.
• Familiarity with omics data analysis and systems biology approaches.
• Experience with fermentation scale-up and bioprocess optimization is desirable.
• Strong data analysis, interpretation, and scientific writing.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team.

Aufgaben

• Design and construct novel genetic circuits and metabolic pathways in microbial hosts for production of target compounds.
• Utilize DNA synthesis, assembly, and editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9) for pathway engineering.
• Develop and optimize fermentation and bioprocessing strategies to maximize product yields.
• Apply systems biology approaches, including omics data analysis, to guide strain engineering.
• Implement high-throughput screening and selection methods for improved strains.
• Collaborate with chemists, engineers, and computational biologists to integrate insights with process development.
• Troubleshoot complex biological and engineering challenges and propose solutions.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to lab culture.
• Maintain records, prepare technical reports, and contribute to publications.

Kenntnisse

Genetic design

Metabolic engineering

Systems biology

Data analysis

Scientific writing

High-throughput screening

Team collaboration

Ausbildung

PhD in Synthetic Biology or related field

Tools

CRISPR-Cas9

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Synthetic Biologist to lead groundbreaking research in metabolic engineering. This role, based in Centurion, Gauteng , is pivotal in designing and constructing novel biological systems for the production of high-value chemicals and biomaterials. You will guide experimental strategies, interpret complex data, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to achieve ambitious R&D objectives. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to sustainable biotechnology solutions and advance the field of synthetic biology within a dynamic and innovative research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and construct novel genetic circuits and metabolic pathways in microbial hosts for the production of target compounds.
• Utilize DNA synthesis, assembly, and editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9) for pathway engineering.
• Develop and optimize fermentation and bioprocessing strategies to maximize product yields and titers.
• Apply systems biology approaches, including omics data analysis (genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics), to guide strain engineering efforts.
• Implement high-throughput screening and selection methods for identifying improved microbial strains.
• Collaborate with chemists, engineers, and computational biologists to integrate biological insights with process development.
• Troubleshoot complex biological and engineering challenges, and propose innovative solutions.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a positive and productive lab culture.
• Maintain accurate records, prepare technical reports, and contribute to scientific publications and presentations.

Requirements

• PhD in Synthetic Biology, Metabolic Engineering, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology research, post-PhD.
• Proven track record in designing, building, and testing genetic constructs and engineered metabolic pathways.
• Experience with common microbial hosts (e.g., E. coli, S. cerevisiae) and genetic manipulation techniques.
• Familiarity with omics data analysis and systems biology approaches.
• Experience with fermentation scale-up and bioprocess optimization is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in data analysis, interpretation, and scientific writing.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience with high-throughput screening methods.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, comprehensive health insurance, a performance incentive program, and opportunities for professional development.
• This hybrid role provides a balance between in-lab research and the flexibility of remote work.
• You will work in a state-of-the-art facility in Centurion, Gauteng, with access to cutting-edge equipment and a supportive team environment.
• We encourage attendance at key scientific conferences and provide resources for continuous learning and career advancement.