Biomedical Research Scientist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Medical aid and provident fund

Growth and advancement opportunities

Access to cutting-edge lab equipment

Support for scientific training and/or

Tembisa, Gauteng base

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng invites applications for a Biomedical Research Scientist to join a leading drug discovery team in their Tembisa laboratory. The role covers target identification, validation, and preclinical candidate evaluation, contributing to life-saving therapeutic research.

You will design in vitro and in vivo experiments, work with chemists and pharmacologists, and report findings to support publication and funding.

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related life science discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in drug discovery or related field.
• Proficiency in molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g., Western blotting, ELISA, cell culture, flow cytometry, qPCR).
• In vivo models knowledge and study designs are desirable.
• Strong analytical skills and data analysis using software such as GraphPad Prism or R.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with CRISPR or gene editing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess drug candidates.
• Identify and validate novel biological targets for therapy.
• Develop cell-based and biochemical assays for high-throughput screening.
• Analyze data and interpret results to guide research.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists and pharmacologists to advance leads.
• Prepare reports, summaries, and publications.
• Maintain laboratory records and ensure safety compliance.
• Contribute to intellectual property development and grant proposals.
• Stay updated with literature and translational medicine advances.

Skills

3+ years experience

Molecular biology

Cell biology

Data analysis

Communication

Independence & teamwork

CRISPR knowledge

Education

PhD in Pharmacology or related field

Tools

GraphPad Prism

R

qPCR

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the Scientific Research & Development sector, is actively seeking a dedicated Biomedical Research Scientist to join their state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in Tembisa, Gauteng . This role is central to our client's mission of discovering and developing novel therapeutic agents. You will be involved in the entire lifecycle of drug discovery, from initial target identification and validation to preclinical candidate selection. This position offers a unique chance to contribute to life-saving innovations within a highly collaborative and scientifically rigorous environment. The successful candidate will work within a team of experienced researchers and scientists, contributing to critical projects that have the potential to significantly impact global health. This role demands a deep understanding of biological processes and a passion for pushing the frontiers of medical science. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess the efficacy and safety of potential drug candidates.
• Identify and validate novel biological targets for therapeutic intervention in various disease areas.
• Develop and optimize cell-based assays and biochemical assays for high-throughput screening.
• Analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical methods and interpret results to guide further research.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists and pharmacologists to advance lead compounds through the drug discovery pipeline.
• Prepare detailed reports, research summaries, and presentations for internal review and external publication.
• Maintain meticulous laboratory records and ensure compliance with all relevant safety protocols and regulatory guidelines.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property and the preparation of grant proposals.
• Stay current with the latest scientific literature and emerging technologies in the fields of pharmacology and translational medicine.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related life science discipline.
• Demonstrated experience (3+ years) in drug discovery or a related biomedical research field.
• Proficiency in a range of molecular and cellular biology techniques (e.g., Western blotting, ELISA, cell culture, flow cytometry, qPCR).
• Experience with in vivo models of disease and relevant study designs is highly desirable.Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, R).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to present scientific data effectively.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• A strong commitment to ethical research practices and laboratory safety.
• Experience with CRISPR technology or gene editing techniques is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund benefits
• Ample opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
• Researchers have access to cutting-edge laboratory equipment and resources, fostering an environment of continuous learning and discovery
• Position is based in Tembisa, Gauteng , offering a chance to work within a vibrant scientific community
• Our client is dedicated to work-life balance and provides support for ongoing scientific training and conference attendance
• Join a team committed to making a tangible difference in patient lives through innovative scientific research