Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist

Placements24; Southampton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Performance incentives

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a distinguished pharmaceutical research company in locating a Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist for their Randburg, Gauteng facility. The role centers on designing and executing complex multi-step syntheses of novel small molecules and drug candidates, with close collaboration with medicinal chemists on SAR and structure-activity relationships.

You will purify products, characterize them by NMR, MS and IR, and maintain meticulous lab notebooks while adhering to safety

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or closely related field.
• 6+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience in synthetic organic chemistry with focus on medicinal chemistry.
• Expertise in designing and executing complex multi-step syntheses.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement efficient synthetic routes for target molecules.
• Perform reactions from milligram to multi-gram scale.
• Purify synthesized compounds using chromatographic techniques (flash chromatography; HPLC).
• Characterize synthesized compounds using spectroscopic methods (NMR; MS; IR).
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and optimize reaction conditions.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to iterate on SAR.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks.
• Stay updated on advancements in synthetic organic chemistry and literature.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols.
• Contribute to patent filings and publications.

Skills

Multi-step synthesis

Medicinal chemistry

SAR collaboration

NMR

MS

IR

Problem solving

Communication skills

Air-sensitive handling

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Tools

Flash chromatography

HPLC

NMR spectroscopy

MS

IR

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished pharmaceutical research company, is seeking an accomplished Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist to join their innovative drug discovery team. This integral role will be based at their state-of-the-art research facility in Randburg, Gauteng. The Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist will be responsible for designing and executing complex multi-step syntheses of novel small molecules, intermediates, and drug candidates. This position requires a deep expertise in organic synthesis, a strong understanding of reaction mechanisms, and a passion for medicinal chemistry. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of life-saving therapies and work alongside a team of highly skilled scientists in a collaborative environment within the vibrant Gauteng province. We are committed to scientific excellence and fostering an environment where innovation thrives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement efficient synthetic routes for target molecules, including complex natural products and drug candidates.
• Perform reactions from milligram to multi-gram scale.
• Purify synthesized compounds using chromatographic techniques (e.g., flash chromatography, HPLC).
• Characterize synthesized compounds using spectroscopic methods (e.g., NMR, MS, IR).
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and optimize reaction conditions.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists to iterate on structure-activity relationships (SAR).
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory notebooks.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in synthetic organic chemistry and relevant literature.
• Ensure compliance with all laboratory safety protocols and procedures.
• Contribute to patent filings and scientific publications.

Requirements

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of postdoctoral or industry experience in synthetic organic chemistry, with a strong focus on medicinal chemistry.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and executing complex multi-step syntheses.
• Proficiency with modern synthetic techniques and purification methods.
• Strong hand-on experience with spectroscopic characterization techniques (NMR, MS).
• Knowledge of reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a contributing member of a research team.
• Experience with handling air- and moisture-sensitive reagents is essential.
• Commitment to working in Randburg, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, performance-based incentives, and ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
• This role provides a chance to make a significant impact on drug discovery in the dynamic landscape of Gauteng.