Senior Synthetic Biologist (Metabolic Engineering)

Placements24; Paarl; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Incentives

Health benefits

Professional development

Remote work

Conferences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Synthetic Biologist based in Paarl with remote work options. You will design and optimize metabolic pathways, perform flux analysis, and lead fermentation development for sustainable chemicals and biofuels.

The role requires a PhD and 5+ years in industry, with strong communication for remote teamwork. The position offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, professional development, and opportunities to contribute to greener technologies and scalable

Qualifications

• PhD in Synthetic Biology, Metabolic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of industry or post-doctoral experience in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering.
• Proven track record designing and constructing complex genetic constructs and metabolic pathways.
• Hands-on experience with microbial fermentation and bioprocess optimization.
• Proficiency in molecular cloning techniques, gene editing tools, and molecular biology assays.
• Experience with metabolic modeling and flux analysis tools is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities for remote team dynamics.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple research projects.

Responsibilities

• Design, construct, and test synthetic gene circuits and metabolic pathways.
• Use genetic engineering tools (CRISPR, Gibson Assembly) for pathway optimization.
• Develop high-throughput screening methods for pathway performance evaluation.
• Perform metabolic flux analysis and modeling to guide strain engineering.
• Optimize fermentation processes for target molecule production.
• Characterize strains and fermentation products using analytical methods.
• Troubleshoot experiments and processes with effective solutions.
• Collaborate with process engineers and downstream teams.
• Contribute to project planning, data analysis, and scientific reporting.

Skills

Genetic engineering

Molecular cloning

Gene editing

Metabolic engineering

Bioprocess optimization

CRISPR

Flux analysis

Fermentation

Analytical chemistry

Education

PhD in Synthetic Biology, Metabolic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or related field

Tools

Gibson Assembly

CRISPR

Molecular cloning

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in sustainable biotechnology, is seeking a Senior Synthetic Biologist with a strong background in metabolic engineering. This role is based in Paarl, Western Cape, and allows for remote work. You will be instrumental in designing and constructing novel biological systems and metabolic pathways for the sustainable production of chemicals, materials, and biofuels. This position requires a deep understanding of genetic engineering, molecular biology, and biochemical engineering principles, combined with hands-on laboratory experience. You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to drive innovation and develop scalable bioprocesses. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a greener future through cutting-edge biotechnology.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, construct, and test novel synthetic gene circuits and metabolic pathways.
• Utilize genetic engineering tools (e.g., CRISPR, Gibson Assembly) for pathway optimization in microbial hosts.
• Develop and implement high-throughput screening methods for pathway performance evaluation.
• Perform metabolic flux analysis and modeling to guide strain engineering efforts.
• Optimize fermentation processes for the efficient production of target molecules.
• Characterize microbial strains and fermentation products using analytical techniques.
• Troubleshoot experimental and process challenges, implementing effective solutions.
• Collaborate with process engineers and downstream processing teams.
• Contribute to project planning, data analysis, and scientific reporting.

Requirements

• PhD in Synthetic Biology, Metabolic Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of industry or post-doctoral experience in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering.
• Proven track record in designing and constructing complex genetic constructs and metabolic pathways.
• Hands-on experience with microbial fermentation and bioprocess optimization.
• Proficiency in molecular cloning techniques, gene editing tools, and molecular biology assays.
• Experience with metabolic modeling and flux analysis tools is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities, crucial for remote team dynamics.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple research projects.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending scientific conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art synthetic biology and fermentation facilities.
• Contribution to sustainable solutions and environmental impact.
• Flexible remote work arrangements.
• Collaborative and innovative team environment.
• Generous paid vacation time.