Research Scientist

**Job Advert Summary**:
To contribute towards the design and development of new diagnostic products and therapeutic proteins as well as the modification and/or improvement of existing products. To contribute towards the research and development of biological assays as required by NBI.

**Minimum Requirements**:

- Essential: BSc Honours in Biochemistry, Microbiology
- Preferred: BSc Masters in Biochemistry, Cell Biology
- 3-4 years cell / tissue culture experience and
- 3-4 years recombinant DNA technology experience
- 3-4 years Protein biochemistry (ELISA, protein expression and purification)
- Project management experience

**Duties and Responsibilities**:
**Design and execute experiments (60%)**
- Design, develop and execute cell culture based experiments (mammalian, bacterial and eukaryotic)
- Maintenance of cell cultures including, cryopreservation, optimisation of cell growth, media preparation
- Design, develop and execute molecular biology, immunochemistry (ELISA) and protein purification experiments
- Analytical testing of proteins i.e. determination of concentration, purity
- Record and analyse experiment results in line with GMP and ISO 13485 requirements
- Statistical analysis of data using software such as Minitab and Graphpad Prism.
- Interpret results and summarise data for technical reports
- Present research and development findings/project status at relevant departmental meetings
- Author work instructions, test methods, record sheets and other relevant documentation i.e. risk assessments
- Contribute towards technical leadership and the enhancement of existing processes/products
- Contribute towards the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic protein products
- Troubleshoot and find solutions to experimental problems
- Deliver projects according to project plans and adhere to ISO 13485 Design Control requirements
- Write protocols for transfer of design projects to Manufacturing

**Laboratory resourcing and maintenance (15%)**
- Source approved equipment
- Ensure that all equipment is commissioned properly by service provider prior to initial use
- Provide input into the development of user requirement specifications (URS), work instructions and associated records for the laboratory
- Monitor implementation of applicable Quality Management System
- Perform limited trouble shooting of instruments
- Perform calibration of certain laboratory instruments
- Maintain consumable/reagent stock levels
- Source approved reagents and consumables

**Process/Product Verification and Validation (20%)**
- Develop product/process verification/validation protocols in conjunction with Scientist: Cell Biology and Validation Department
- Perform verification/validation experiments and compile verification/validation reports

**General lab support**
- Maintain the laboratory in a clean, safe and orderly condition
- Provide general laboratory support as and when required

**Core Competencies**
- Business Impact
- Leading and Influencing Others
- Personal Leadership
- Managing Relationships
- Knowledge of GMP principles and ISO13485 quality systems
- Project management
- Must have a background of protein biochemistry and experience on at least one of the following techniques: chromatography, electrophoresis
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven track record of productive research and development
- Must have the ability to manage multiple and varied tasks with enthusiasm and prioritize workload with attention to detail.
- Must be highly motivated with a willingness to learn, accept responsibility and challenges.
- Relevant technical capability and analytical/problem-solving skills.
- Critical thinker, good at troubleshooting
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work under pressure Computer Literacy in MS Office and SAP