Pharmaceutical Research Scientist (Drug Discovery)

Placements24; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Conference attendance

Hybrid work model

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg is seeking a Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join the Drug Discovery team in a hybrid role. You will design and perform experiments to identify novel drug targets and lead compounds, using biochemical, cellular, and in vitro assays.

Collaborate with medicinal chemists to optimize leads, develop HTS assays, analyze data, and present findings to teams and management. A PhD in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field with 4+ years of experience

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry or related life science.
• At least 4 years post-PhD in drug discovery.
• Experience with in vitro assays and relevant biological techniques.
• Strong data analysis and presentation of complex data.
• Ability to work in a collaborative multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments to identify novel targets and lead compounds.
• Use biochemical, cellular, and in vitro assays to evaluate compounds.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to optimize leads.
• Develop and validate assays for HTS.
• Analyze data and present findings to teams and management.
• Stay current with literature and emerging technologies.
• Contribute to reports, publications and patents.
• Manage lab resources and ensure safety compliance.
• Troubleshoot issues and develop innovative solutions.

Skills

In vitro assays

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

PhD in Pharmacology/Medicinal Chemistry/Biochemistry

Tools

HTS software

Assay development

Biochemical techniques

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking pharmaceutical company, is seeking a talented and innovative Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join their Drug Discovery team in Randburg . This hybrid role offers the opportunity to contribute to the early-stage development of novel therapeutics. You will be involved in designing and executing experiments, characterizing potential drug candidates, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to advance promising compounds through the discovery pipeline. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, or a related discipline, coupled with hands-on experience in drug discovery techniques. This is an exciting chance to work in a stimulating research environment and make a significant impact on future patient care. Your contributions will be vital in identifying and validating new drug targets and molecules.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments to identify and characterize novel drug targets and lead compounds.
• Utilize a range of biochemical, cellular, and in-vitro assays to evaluate compound efficacy and mechanism of action.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to optimize lead compounds for potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties.
• Develop and validate assays for high-throughput screening (HTS).
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and present findings to research teams and management.
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging technologies in drug discovery.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, publications, and patent applications.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, including biologists, chemists, and pharmacologists.
• Manage laboratory resources and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and develop innovative solutions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related life science discipline.
• A minimum of 4 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in drug discovery.
• Proven experience in designing and performing in-vitro assays and relevant biological techniques.
• Strong understanding of disease biology and molecular mechanisms relevant to therapeutic areas.
• Experience with assay development, HTS, and data analysis software.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and scientific curiosity.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific data.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Experience with specific therapeutic areas (e.g., oncology, immunology, neurology) is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and instrumentation.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional growth and conference attendance.
• This hybrid role provides a balance between in-lab research and remote work flexibility in Randburg .
• We are committed to fostering a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.
• Join a team of dedicated researchers focused on discovering life-changing medicines.
• Your work will directly contribute to addressing unmet medical needs.
• We provide excellent opportunities for skill development and career advancement within our research organization.
• Be part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where scientific rigor is paramount.