Research and Development Senior Scientist II - Cape Town Region
Watchmaker Genomics
Watchmaker Genomics is a global life science company with an R&D and Production facility in Cape Town, South Africa and head offices in Boulder, Colorado. Our team is passionate about innovation and we value collaboration, creativity and scientific rigor. We believe that the intersection of biology, engineering and computer science presents exciting opportunities for developing novel technologies that promote research and improve human health. Watchmaker Genomics specializes in the design, development and production of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes that enable high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine. Watchmaker Genomics is inviting applications for a full-time Senior Scientist position to be based in Cape Town, South Africa. This position reports to the Enzyme Engineering Team Lead. This opportunity is part of expanding the capacity of the Enzyme Development Group and will involve support of a research program aimed at developing and characterising novel, proprietary products for a range of genomics and molecular diagnostics applications. There is a strong emphasis on enzyme rational design and directed evolution to achieve these goals. This individual will be responsible for conceptualising, developing, executing and documenting experiments, and will work closely with the broader scientific and commercial teams. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, stimulating, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success. The position provides an opportunity to develop engineered enzymes that will be part of our products creating value for customers in life science and clinical diagnostics markets. Responsibilities Conceptualise and champion research projects and programmes that align with company strategy and support our commercial objectives. Design, plan and perform molecular biology experiments including plasmid vector design and construction. Plan and perform microbiology experiments including: cell transformation and protein expression in shaking flask cultures and bioreactors. Plan and perform protein purification experiments including: cell lysis; small scale affinity purification; FPLC-assisted affinity purification. Plan and perform protein characterisation experiments including: SDS PAGE and enzyme assays. Systematically and methodically develop, trouble-shoot and optimise biochemical assays. Plan and perform molecular biology experiments including PCR, qPCR and preparation of NGS libraries. Accurately document details of all experiments in an electronic lab notebook; meticulously analyse and interpret data; and regularly present results and project status updates to managers and peers for discussion. Contribute to conceptualising and inventing technologies for the genomics and molecular diagnostics markets. The following skills and experience are requirements for the position: Ability to drive impactful and relevant biotechnology research, with the objective of developing products of practical and commercial value. Extensive experience in molecular biology including cloning, PCR and qPCR. Experience in setting up and troubleshooting enzyme assays. Experience in protein expression and purification. Experience in analysing NGS data would be an advantage. Experience in computational prediction of enzyme structure would be an advantage. Experience in changing protein function through mutagenesis would be an advantage. Specific knowledge of DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes would be an advantage. Strong interest in protein biochemistry and genomics. Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret high quality experiments. Track record of successfully proposing and executing research projects. Excellent organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail. The ability to multitask, perform consistently under pressure and work without supervision. Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work as an effective member of a team, and/or as a leader of a team. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent personal task management skills with a high level of self-motivation and initiative. A creative and disciplined approach to problem-solving. Education and Experience PhD with 3 years of experience or MSc with 10 years of relevant experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related discipline.
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