To apply for the position please submit, in a single MS Word or PDF file:
- Letter of motivation (one A4 page maximum).
- CV highlighting only relevant qualifications and experience.
- Email addresses and daytime phone numbers of at least 3 referees.
Apply at www.indeed.co.za or alternatively, send application to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Role and Responsibilities:
We are looking to appoint a full-time permanent R&D Senior Scientist. The successful candidate will report to the Team Leader and will be expected to contribute at all stages of engineered-product development, from conception to launch. Specifically, this includes ideation, protein-engineering methodology design and experimental execution followed by early stage product development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Contribute to a multidisciplinary team that is dedicated to developing innovative, world-class products for the NGS market.
- Keep abreast of advances in the NGS field, identify commercial opportunities and suggest new product ideas.
- Design and carry out high-level proof-of-concept protein engineering research to explore and validate new product ideas.
- Keep abreast of advances in the enzyme engineering field in order to develop strategies for engineering enzymes for relevant applications.
- Plan and execute research in a logical and efficient manner.
- Conduct regular project progress reviews to communicate key findings to team-members and management.
- Keep detailed records of all experiments and project-related information.
- Supervise, train and mentor junior scientists.
- Collaborate with other departments to ensure knowledge transfer for effective further product development, launch and support.
Qualifications and Education Requirements:
Requirements include:
- PhD or MSc in one or more relevant subjects such as molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics or biotechnology.
- In-depth knowledge, insight and experience with regard to molecular biology and its practical application in biotechnology.
- A proven history of innovative research and/or product development.
Preferences include:
- Five years post-MSc or two years post-PhD relevant working experience.
- Practical experience in protein engineering by design and/or directed evolution.
- Practical experience with NGS and/or PCR-based methodologies.
- Specialist knowledge of other relevant fields such as evolution, molecular diagnostics, forensics, microfluidics or medical research.
- Previous experience supervising and mentoring junior scientists.
- The ability to critically evaluate and interpret experimental results, and articulate key findings within cross-functional teams.
- Experience in product or assay development.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Personal skills:
The position requires an individual with strong analytical thinking and problem solving abilities. They must be persistent, proactive and inventive. They must be self-motivated and able to work independently, or as part of a team. Other desirable attributes include accountability, well developed communication skills and a strong work ethic.