Lead Synthetic Chemist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; United States; Remote; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Comprehensive benefits

Professional development

State-of-the-art facility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Synthetic Chemist to drive drug discovery in Paarl, Western Cape. You will design, synthesize, and optimize novel small molecules, leading multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment.

The role emphasizes mentorship, collaboration with biology and computational groups, and contributions to patents/publications while adhering to safety standards in a state-of-the-art facility.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum 6 years post-PhD experience in synthetic organic chemistry with a medicinal focus.
• Expertise in modern synthetic methods including asymmetric synthesis and catalysis.
• Experience designing multi-step sequences and SAR-driven optimization.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute synthetic routes for complex molecules.
• Lead medicinal chemistry for discovery and lead optimization.
• Synthesize and purify small molecules for biological testing.
• Collaborate with biologists and computational chemists on SAR.
• Manage timelines, resources, and external vendors.
• Stay current with advances in synthetic/medicinal chemistry.
• Mentor junior chemists and guide skill development.
• Contribute to patents and publications.
• Ensure laboratory safety and best practices.

Skills

Medicinal chemistry

Asymmetric synthesis

Catalysis

SAR analysis

Leadership

Mentoring

Project management

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry/Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

HPLC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and forward-thinking biopharmaceutical company, is seeking an experienced Lead Synthetic Chemist to drive their drug discovery efforts in Paarl, Western Cape . This critical role involves the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules with therapeutic potential. You will work at the intersection of chemistry and biology, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to identify and advance lead compounds. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of organic synthesis, a strong track record in medicinal chemistry, and proven leadership capabilities. You will be instrumental in shaping the company's discovery pipeline and contributing to the development of innovative treatments for unmet medical needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute synthetic routes for complex organic molecules, targeting novel chemical entities.
• Lead medicinal chemistry efforts for discovery and lead optimization programs.
• Synthesize and purify small molecules for biological testing, ensuring high purity and characterization.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and computational chemists to interpret structure-activity relationships (SAR).
• Manage project timelines, resources, and external synthesis vendors effectively.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry.
• Mentor and supervise junior chemists, providing technical guidance and fostering skill development.
• Contribute to patent filings and scientific publications.
• Ensure all laboratory activities adhere to safety protocols and best practices.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral and/or industry experience in synthetic organic chemistry, with a focus on medicinal chemistry.
• Demonstrated expertise in modern synthetic methodologies, including asymmetric synthesis and catalysis.
• Proven ability to design and execute multi-step synthetic sequences.
• Experience with spectroscopic techniques (NMR, MS) and chromatographic purification methods (HPLC, flash chromatography).
• Familiarity with drug discovery processes and principles of SAR.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and project management skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead projects and work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health, dental, and retirement plans.
• We are committed to employee development, providing opportunities for continuous learning, conference attendance, and career advancement.
• This role in Paarl, Western Cape , offers the chance to work on exciting drug discovery projects in a state-of-the‑art research facility.
• Join a dedicated team focused on innovation and making a meaningful impact on global health through the development of novel therapeutics.