Application Details:
Required documentation
1. Letter of motivation (one A4 page max.)
2. Curriculum vitae to include the email addresses and daytime phone numbers of at least 3 referees.
Job Description
Summary
Roche Sequencing Solutions Cape Town is a dynamic and rapidly growing biotechnology company employing cutting edge technologies to provide innovative products for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and molecular diagnostics.
R&D is carried out by a growing team of scientists in our new facility in Cape Town in collaboration with colleagues internationally. Our products are manufactured in-house and sold worldwide. At Roche Sequencing Solutions we strive to create a challenging yet collegial environment where we encourage collaboration and the open exploration of ideas, combining some of the most attractive features of academia with the excitement and rewards of working in an innovative commercial environment. We offer employment opportunities for individuals who exhibit evidence of outstanding ability and have a track record of accomplishment.
The successful candidate will report to a Research and Early Development (RED) Team Leader and contribute to the development of a strategically aligned portfolio of products for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) applications. Specifically, this includes ideation, developing protein-engineering strategies, experimental execution followed by early stage product development.
Role and 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 enzyme engineering field in order to develop strategies for engineering enzymes for relevant applications.
- 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.
- 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.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- 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.
- Strong analytical thinking and problem solving abilities.
- A persistent, proactive and inventive mind-set.
- Self-motivation with the ability to work independently, or as part of a team.
- Well-developed communication skills.
- A strong work ethic.
Additional Notes
Preferred Skills:
- Five or more year’s post-MSc, – two or more year’s post-PhD relevant working experience.
- Practical experience in protein engineering by design and/or directed evolution.
- Practical experience in protein purification and enzyme assays.
- Practical experience with NGS and/or PCR-based methodologies.
- 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.