Senior Research Scientist
Listing reference: ukzn_000414
Listing status: Under Review
Apply by: 9 October 2024
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: University and Academy
Location: Pietermaritzburg
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: Yes
Introduction
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan. The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is one of the top Universities in South Africa and amongst the top 500 Universities globally. The School of Life Sciences at UKZN seeks to appoint a qualified and experienced individual as a senior research scientist.
Job description
The incumbent will be required to lead the R&D of heterobifunctional degraders for application in metabolic disorders
The incumbent will be expected to advance the development of existing degraders through chemical refinement and in vitro and in vivo analysis while coordinating research efforts aimed at producing second generation degraders
The incumbent will be expected to supervise students, liaise with external partners and collaborators and generate third stream income
A strong background in metabolic disorders is required with demonstrable experience and technical proficiency in the following areas:
- The design, synthesis and characterization of heterobifunctional molecules
- Mammalian cell culture, bacterial cell culture, protein expression and western blotting
- Protein-ligand binding techniques, thermal shift techniques and mitochondrial function analysis
- Generation and interpretation of PK and PD data in murine models
- SAR and pharmacophore generation
- Assay development, implementation and optimization
- Statistical analysis and data management
Minimum requirements
- PhD degree in biochemistry or medicinal chemistry or similar
- A minimum of three years Post-Doctoral experience in the above area of research
- Evidence of DHET accredited publications in the above area of research
- Track record of successful supervision or co-supervision of post graduate students
- Evidence of the successful attraction of external research grant
- Evidence of national recognition in the research field
