researcher.2.01 (ns.08.4)

Description
Job Title RESEARCHER.2.01 Location Johannesburg,ZA Organization Name School of Molecular And Cell Biology Department Description

UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
SCHOOL OF MOLECULAR & CELL BIOLOGY
RESEARCHER GRADE 8
We seek to appoint a Researcher in the School of Molecular and Cell Biology. The candidate must have demonstrable experience in single molecule X-ray crystallography and structure solutions to join a well-established Protein Biochemistry and Structural Chemistry team that is investigating atomic resolution structures of proteins using state-of-the-art crystallisation and X-ray diffraction techniques. Specifically, our research interests include proteins that are classified as druggable targets, e.g., glutathione transferases from human parasites, nicotinate nucleotide adenyltransferases from infectious bacterial pathogens, HIV proteases and FOX proteins. These proteins are recombinantly expressed in E. coli, purified to homogeneity using a single or multiple protein chromatographic techniques and characterised for biological activities as well as structure using a combination of biophysical techniques such as spectroscopy, circular dichroism, isothermal titration calorimetry and X-ray crystallography. The project is part of an on-going collaboration between principal investigators in the Protein Structure-Function Research Laboratory (PSFRL) housed within the School of Molecular and Cell Biology.

Brief Description

Key Job Functions Include

• Prepare manuscripts and present research findings as abstracts/or oral presentations (travel may be required)
• Attend weekly group meetings and 1:1 meeting to (i) present data and interpretation of results; (ii) troubleshoot research results, and (iii) suggest next steps
• Attend research-related meetings, including but not limited to crystallography meetings and journal clubs
• Perform experiments utilizing appropriate lab or computational techniques with proficiency, evaluate results, and determine the next steps to complete a project and present research data
• Train students in solving protein structures (including protein-ligand complexes) using available algorithms, but not limited to CCP4 and Phenix
• Train students in depositing coordinates of a protein crystal in RCSB PDB
• Establish an independent research interest in PSFRL
• Stay on top of the literature and build skills to maximize research potential in the PSFRL
• Assist with supervision of Hons, MSc and PhD students
• Be involved with the day-to-day running of lab activities in the PSFRL (including ordering of chemicals and consumables) and be part of responsibilities assigned to PSFRL members to ensure good lab practice and protection of infrastructure regarding equipment.

Qualifications And Experience

• PhD in biochemistry/biophysics with at least three years postdoctoral experience.
• Background skills and knowledge in Protein Biochemistry, Structural Biology and Biophysics to help decipher the structures of proteins, especially as druggable targets.

The Successful Candidate/research Fellow Must Have Experience In

• Protein expression and purification, especially using E. coli as bacterial host
• Designing and performing protein crystallisation studies
• Evidence of single crystal X-ray diffraction experience using (1) a home source, especially the Bruker AXS D8 venture double source XRD and (2) a synchrotron beam line radiation source
• Structure solution using various algorithms including CCP4 and Phenix (Python-based Hierarchical Environment for Integrated Xtallography) software. Evidence of structure deposition in the Protein Data Bank will be a major advantage
• Evidence of experience working with molecular docking and dynamics computation software packages to understand protein dynamics would be an advantage.

The person is to assume duties on
1 January 2026 or earlier.
Requirements
Detailed Description Job Requirements Additional Details How To Apply

Information about the School is available at our website:

Applications: Submit a covering letter accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae, certified copies of all educational qualifications and identity document with names and e-mail addresses of 3 referees.

External applicants are invited to apply by registering their profile on the Wits i-Recruitment platform located at and submitting applications. Internal employees are invited to apply directly on Oracle by following the path: iWits /Self Service application/"Apply for a job.

Closing Date
: 12 November 2025

By applying for this post the Applicant acknowledges that their personal information will be processed by the University. The Applicant, by their conduct in proceeding with an application for this position, gives their consent to the processing of their personal information as required by the University's Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy. Such processing includes logging their information on the University's recruitment systems, conducting necessary background and reference checks including disciplinary and/or criminal records, and disclosing their personal information to university employees identified to take part in the selection and recruitment process. The Applicant consents to any processing of their personal information as may be required. The confidentiality of the Applicant's personal information will be maintained.

Committed to excellence and equity.
***The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.***
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