Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Wits Health Consortium

Main purpose of the job:

• To develop and advance lipid nanoparticle (LNP)/nucleic acid formulations for cost-effective HIV-1 biotherapeutic delivery. The successful candidate will join a cutting-edge, multidisciplinary, international research team, gaining hands-on experience in molecular biology, nanotechnology and translational biomedical research.

Key performance areas

• Conduct laboratory research on nanoparticle formulation and optimisation.
• In vitro protein expression and validation of nanoparticle delivery using mammalian cell lines.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in virology, immunology and nanotechnology.
• Present findings at group meetings, conferences and collaborator progress meetings.

Required minimum education and training

• PhD In molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology or equivalent.

Required minimum work experience

• Minimum of 3 years working experience in molecular biology laboratory or equivalent.
• Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, expertise in Snap gene, Graph pad Prism, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Familiarity with tissue culture, nucleic acid manipulation, recombinant protein expression and purification, liquid chromatography, HIV-1 pseudo virus assays.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral).
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a highly productive research team.
• Driven, well-organised, with strong time-management skills and ability to meet time sensitive deadlines.

Closing date: 08 July 2026