Senior Scientist - Cape Town at Roche

The Opportunity

• Roche Diagnostics Cape Town would hereby like to invite applications for an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic Sequencing Assay and Reagent Development team as a contract Senior Scientist (18-Month contract). 

Key Challenges

• The Development department ensures product quality, consistency and operational efficiency through optimised and validated processes, test methods as well as new product design. Reporting directly to the Development Project Group Leader, the successful candidate will have the following key challenges:
• Designs, plans and executes assigned research and/or development-related experiments/projects utilising established and innovative procedures, and applying scientific knowledge and accumulated experience to complete projects. 
• Contributes to the definition and timely achievement of overall project goals. Makes recommendations, and when appropriate, acts independently to resolve scientific problems encountered during experimental procedures to improve productivity of results. Ensures activities are consistent with project critical path, and responds appropriately to changing priorities.
• Assumes responsibility for the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of experimental results. Summarises experimental results, and reviews conclusions with supervisor/project leader. Communicates results of experiments.
• Analyzes, interprets and records experimental data in a timely manner according to established formats. Produces reports and documents; presents findings at internal, group or departmental meetings. Forms conclusions, and provides insight into process improvements. Integrates previous and current results to determine next experimental steps and the impact of long-range project goals. May assist in preparing summaries, memos, internal reports, presentations, manuscripts, etc.
• Plans and executes work independently and manages their own time to accomplish assigned objectives.
• Keeps people leader/project leader informed of project status, particularly of significant findings and results in critical problem areas.
• Establishes, as appropriate, cross-functional relationships.
• Serves as a subject matter expert cross-functionally.
• Keeps informed of trends and developments in the area of scientific responsibility.
• Applies concepts of a particular field or specialisation to resolve problems of intermediate scope and complexity.
• May lead assigned projects or technical teams.
• May have supervisory responsibility; providing guidance to new team members and leading internal/external teams and building professional relationships.
• Decisions impact project team(s) and/or broader organisation. Ensures appropriate decisions to minimise negative impact in terms of delay in operations, financial expense, or customer or user dissatisfactions.
• Participates in routine lab maintenance, lab safety, ISO, and QSR implementation.
• Performs work according to established internal safety guidelines and procedures, and as specified by appropriate external regulatory agencies (e.g., OSHA).    

Who You Are

Qualifications and Educational Requirements: 

• An advanced degree in Biological/Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Geneticsor related field - Honour’s or Master’s Degree in Science is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ (or equivalent) experience in biotechnology applications/protein engineering/enzymology/process development/product development/technical manufacturing functions.
• Experience as a wet-lab scientist is required.

Knowledge, Skills or Abilities:

• Knowledge of NGS applications or a proven biochemistry background will be beneficial.
• Should possess working knowledge of automation, instrumentation, manufacturing processes or design processes.
• Should possess working knowledge of reagent/assay development and manufacturing processes in a health authority regulated environment.
• Knowledge of molecular cloning, protein expression/production and protein purification will be beneficial.
• Prior experience managing projects, programs or portfolios in a strategic or product context.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written) with the ability to present at all functional levels.
• Ability to collaborate and deliver in a complex global organisation.
• The ideal candidate will be action oriented and excited to find solutions to complex, evolving problems.
• Develops effective working relationships with stakeholders, peers and partners.
• Acknowledges and respects others’ diverse perspectives.
• Comfortable to network with various departments and functions.
• Analytical and problem solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication. 
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Stress and time management skills.