Team: Applications Development
Position Type: Full-Time Employee
Location: Cape Town, South Africa, onsite
Experience: MSc (or equivalent) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline + 0-3 years of relevant experience. Or: BSc Honours in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related discipline + a minimum 2 - 5 years relevant work experience.

COMPANY SUMMARY

Watchmaker Genomics is a global life sciences company with R&D and Production facilities in Cape Town, South Africa, and headquarters in Boulder, Colorado. Our team is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to collaboration, creativity, and scientific rigour. We believe that the intersection of biology, engineering, and computer science offers exciting opportunities to develop novel technologies that advance research and enhance human health. We leverage our enzyme engineering and computational biology capabilities to develop products that support high-growth applications in genomics, molecular diagnostics, and personalised medicine.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented R&D Associate to join our Research and Development team in Cape Town, South Africa. This role reports to the Applications Development Team Lead and will focus on supporting a research program dedicated to the development and characterization of proprietary reagents for a range of genomics applications. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment and contribute positively to our company culture and success.
This position offers an opportunity to participate in the development of biotechnology products. In this collaborative role, you will work closely with various departments, including Enzyme Engineering, Computational Biology, Process Development, Marketing, and Customer Support across our global sites.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to plan, execute, troubleshoot, interpret, and replicate molecular biology experiments with some supervision.
• Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR, and biochemical assays. Familiarity with NGS technologies and data analysis is a plus.
• Knowledge of enzyme biochemistry and related assays (reaction kinetics, binding, stability, etc.) is preferred, especially regarding DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• MSc in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related discipline + 0-3 years of relevant experience or
• BSc Honours in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related discipline + a minimum 2 - 5 years relevant work experience.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on www.watchmakergenomics.com:

• Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter)
• Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience
• Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Local candidates preferred.

If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested.
To ensure your application is considered, please submit it by Friday, 14 February 2025. Please note that this position may close earlier if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

• Contribute to a multidisciplinary international team involved in the development and launch of genomics products.
• Assist in designing, planning, and performing molecular biology experiments, including enzyme characterization, RT-qPCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS).
• Document all experimental details in an electronic lab notebook and present results and project updates to managers and peers.
• Collaborate with senior scientists to implement and maintain experiments and laboratory protocols.
• Participate in customer collaborations and provide technical input for product support.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement within the lab.