Position: R&D Scientist, Assay Development

Department : Research and Development

Position Type: Full-Time Employee

Location: Cape Town, South Africa (onsite)

Experience: Masters degree required, 6+ years of Industry experience; PhD preferred

Watchmaker Genomics is inviting applications for a full-time R&D Scientist position to be based in Cape Town, South Africa.

This position reports to the Enzyme Development Team Lead and will be responsible for creating and establishing assays and standard procedures to characterise enzymes developed for precision applications in areas such as genomics, molecular diagnostics, and synthetic biology. These assays will be employed throughout the product realisation life-cycle, supporting the development of new enzyme-based products as well as providing reliable QC assays in routine manufacturing operations. As such, the role will require close collaboration across diverse functions at Watchmaker Genomics including protein engineering, computational biology, process development, quality assurance, quality control, marketing, and customer support.

The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and will contribute directly to our company culture and success. The position provides an opportunity to pursue cutting-edge science in a commercially-relevant context, ensuring that we continue to deliver high-quality, innovative products to our customers.

Responsibilities:

• Conceive, develop, optimise, and establish assays and procedures to characterise DNA/RNA modifying and other molecular enzymes.
• Trouble-shoot and improve existing assays and protocols
• Plan and execute experiments.
• Develop report templates, and collate data to understand the optimal operating parameters and characteristic failure modes of the assays.
• Demonstrate how those assays perform using statistically powered methods.
• Communicate results to the other team members and share ideas as to what the next steps should be.
• Plan, carry out and supervise validation activities.
• Work closely with production teams, assist in preparing work instructions, and transfer the protocols into routine QC, improve existing processes and support on-market products.
• Contribute to continuous improvement projects.
• Record and communicate findings with accuracy and clarity.

Skill and requirements

• An experienced R&D Scientist with at least 6 years of experience in enzymology or molecular biology with an MSc or PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related discipline.
• Experience in developing and/or optimising enzyme assays using a systematic, data-driven approach.
• Hands-on experience with protein assays, PCR/qPCR diagnostic assay design.
• Demonstrated scientific excellence in your technical work, and in your written and verbal communication
• You can multitask, perform consistently under pressure and work without supervision
• You use and understand appropriate inferential statistical tools and software

Education

• A R&D Scientist with at least an MSc., or equivalent experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related discipline, with a passion for understanding DNA- and RNA-modifying enzymes. PhD preferred
• Experience in developing and/or optimising enzyme assays using a systematic, data-driven approach.
• Hands-on experience with protein assays, PCR, qPCR or NGS Library Preparation.
• You can multitask, perform consistently under pressure and work without supervision.
• You are familiar with statistical tools and software.

Application Requirements

To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on 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 12 January 2026. 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.

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WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

All applicants will be asked if currently eligible to work in South Africa; and if now or in the future will require visa sponsorship to continue working in South Africa.

This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable laws.