Biochemist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Medical insurance

Pension

Annual leave

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications from a Biochemist to join a pioneering biopharmaceutical company driving novel therapeutics. The role focuses on target validation, assay development and HTS in a hybrid lab setup with some remote work.

The ideal candidate has an MSc/PhD in Biochemistry or related field and at least 3 years in drug discovery, with hands-on experience in enzyme kinetics, binding assays, and data analysis using GraphPad Prism or R.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, molecular biology or related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years in drug discovery or related field.
• Hands-on experience with biochemical techniques and HTS assay development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize biochemical and cellular assays for target validation and drug screening.
• Conduct high-throughput screening campaigns to identify novel drug candidates.
• Characterize potency, selectivity and mechanism of action of lead compounds.
• Perform in vitro studies for metabolism and pharmacokinetic properties.
• Analyze data with statistical software and report findings to the team.
• Contribute to SAR study design with medicinal chemistry collaborators.
• Maintain detailed lab records and troubleshoot experiments.
• Assist in manuscript and patent preparation.

Skills

Biochemistry

Pharmacology

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Team work

Education

MSc or PhD in Biochemistry/Pharmacology or related

Tools

GraphPad Prism

R

HTS workflows

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of developing novel therapeutics, is seeking a talented Biochemist to contribute to their groundbreaking drug discovery programs. This role is ideal for a scientist passionate about understanding disease mechanisms at a molecular level and translating this knowledge into potential life‑saving treatments. The position involves working within a state‑of‑the‑art laboratory environment, focusing on target validation, assay development, and small molecule screening. While the role is primarily based in our **Tembisa** laboratory, a hybrid work model is offered, providing flexibility for remote work on designated days. You will be an integral part of a collaborative team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, making a real difference in patient lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize biochemical and cellular assays for target validation and drug screening.
• Perform high-throughput screening (HTS) campaigns to identify novel drug candidates.
• Characterize the potency, selectivity, and mechanism of action of lead compounds.
• Conduct in vitro studies to assess drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic properties.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical software and present findings to the research team.
• Contribute to the design of structure‑activity relationship (SAR) studies.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists.
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and propose solutions.
• Contribute to the preparation of manuscripts and patent applications.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in drug discovery or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience with a variety of biochemical techniques (e.g., enzyme kinetics, binding assays).
• Proficiency in assay development and validation for HTS.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and cell‑based assays.
• Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, R).
• Strong understanding of drug discovery principles and methodologies.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team‑oriented environment.
• Good oral and written communication skills.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive remuneration package including a substantial annual salary, performance‑based bonuses, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a generous pension fund contribution. Employees benefit from ample paid annual leave, sick leave, and study leave for professional development. The hybrid work model offers a balance between on‑site collaboration and remote flexibility. Opportunities for career advancement are actively supported through training programs, conference attendance, and internal mobility. A relocation assistance package may be available for successful candidates relocating to the **Tembisa** area.