About this role
Overview At QIAGEN, we are driven by a simple but powerful vision: making improvements in life possible. We’re dedicated to revolutionizing science and healthcare for the better. From our entrepreneurial roots to our current global presence, we've grown into a force for positive change.
With thousands of employees across six continents, collaboration is our greatest strength. We’re always striving to identify talented individuals to join our exceptional teams. We have played a pivotal role in shaping modern science and healthcare, and we're just getting started.
If you're someone who thrives on new challenges, values diversity and wants to make a tangible difference in people's lives, then QIAGEN is the place for you. At QIAGEN, every day is an opportunity to make a real-life impact. Join us, grow with us, and together, let's shape the future of biological discovery. About the opportunity We are currently looking for a Sales Application Specialist to join our commercial team in Johannesburg, supporting customers across South Africa and the broader Sub-Saharan Africa region.
In this field-based role, you will combine your scientific expertise with a customer-focused mindset to support the sales process, deliver product demonstrations, provide technical consultation, and help customers successfully implement QIAGEN solutions. Working closely with Account Managers, distributors, Technical Service, and global support teams, you will play a key role in driving customer satisfaction, business growth, and the adoption of innovative molecular testing technologies. Ideal candidate would be based in Johannesburg.
Your tasks include Partner with Account Managers and distribution partners to provide scientific and technical support throughout the sales cycle across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Deliver customer presentations, product demonstrations, workshops, and training sessions covering molecular biology, PCR, digital PCR, automation, and NGS workflows. Design and execute proof-of-concept studies, analyze results, and provide technical recommendations that support customer decision-making.
Support new customer implementations through onboarding, workflow optimization, assay adoption, and application training. Troubleshoot complex molecular biology workflows and collaborate with Technical Service teams to resolve instrument, software, and application-related issues. Build long-term customer relationships through regular site visits, technical consultations, and proactive support activities.
Identify opportunities for business growth and contribute to customer retention, cross-selling, and adoption of additional QIAGEN solutions. Your profile Master's degree or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related Life Sciences field. Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, NGS, automation, or related technologies.
Experience supporting customers within research, clinical diagnostics, IVD, or regulated laboratory environments is preferred. Previous experience in a customer-facing role such as Field Application Specialist, Application Scientist, Technical Support Specialist, or similar is highly desirable. Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical customer solutions.
Willingness to travel extensively across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa (up to 70%); valid driver's license and passport required. Fluent English language skills. What we offer Bonus/Commission Local benefits Referral Program Volunteer Day Internal Academy ( QIALearn ) Employee Assistance Program Hybrid work (conditional to your role) Our people are the heartbeat of everything we do.
Passion drives us as we push boundaries to innovate and evolve. We inspire with our leadership and make an impact with our actions. We cultivate a collaborative, supportive environment where each individual and team can flourish.
We champion accountability and encourage entrepreneurial thinking. QIAGEN is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or disability.