Principal Scientist - Pharmaceutical Research

Placements24; United States; Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan with employer match

Generous annual leave

Hybrid work model

Professional development funding

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead drug discovery initiatives in a George-based pharmaceutical R&D setting. You will shape the research pipeline, mentor scientists, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance targets from discovery to preclinical candidates.

The role requires a PhD and 8+ years in pharma R&D, with strong leadership and regulatory knowledge, and a track record of delivering research programs. Hybrid work arrangements are offered.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a related life science field.
• 8+ years of progressive pharma R&D experience.
• Proven track record leading projects from start to finish.
• Expertise in target validation, assay development, and preclinical pharmacology.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements for drug development.
• Excellent leadership, communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of drug discovery programs from target ID to preclinical candidate selection.
• Develop and implement innovative research strategies to overcome challenges.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and toxicology teams.
• Analyze complex biological/chemical data to guide progression.
• Author and present findings internally and at international conferences.
• Provide mentorship to a team of researchers and scientists.

Skills

Leadership

Target validation

Assay development

Preclinical pharmacology

Regulatory knowledge

Strategic thinking

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Scientist to lead critical research initiatives within their pharmaceutical R&D department in George . This senior position demands a strategic thinker with extensive experience in drug discovery and development, particularly in identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets. You will play a crucial role in shaping the company's research pipeline, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and mentoring junior scientists. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on the development of new medicines from our George -based facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of drug discovery programs, from target identification to preclinical candidate selection.
• Develop and implement innovative research strategies to overcome complex scientific challenges.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, and toxicologists.
• Analyze and interpret complex biological and chemical data to guide project progression.
• Author and present research findings internally and at international scientific conferences.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to a team of research associates and scientists.

Requirements

• PhD in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical research and development.
• Demonstrated success in leading research projects from inception to completion.
• Expertise in target validation, assay development, and preclinical pharmacology.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements for drug development.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, ideally within the Western Cape region.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Generous annual leave and professional development funding.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.