Lead Biochemist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary bonus potential

Health & retirement benefits

Professional development support

Hybrid work model

Paid time off

Stock options

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Biochemist to drive drug discovery at our Klerksdorp facility, combining hands-on assay work with team leadership in a hybrid setting.

You will design and optimize biochemical assays, characterize targets, evaluate compounds, mentor scientists, and collaborate with chemists and biologists to advance lead candidates while ensuring data integrity. This senior role also contributes to project strategy and budget management.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years post-doctoral research experience in pharma/biotech focusing on biochemical assay development.
• Proven expertise in enzyme kinetics, protein-ligand binding assays (e.g., SPR, ITC), and biochemical screening methods.
• Experience with detection methods (e.g., fluorescence, luminescence, MS).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor junior scientists and manage research projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid research setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, optimization, and implementation of biochemical/biophysical assays for drug discovery.
• Characterize drug targets, understand enzyme kinetics, evaluate potency and selectivity.
• Supervise and mentor a team of researchers and technicians.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, structural biologists, and pharmacologists to advance leads.
• Analyze and interpret complex data; present findings to teams and management.
• Contribute to strategic direction of drug discovery projects and identify opportunities.
• Maintain rigorous protocols and high data integrity.
• Manage laboratory inventory, equipment, and budget for projects.

Skills

Enzyme kinetics

Protein-ligand binding assays

Biochemical assay development

Data analysis

Team leadership

Education

PhD in Biochemistry / related field

Tools

SPR

ITC

Mass spectrometry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly growing biopharmaceutical company, is seeking an experienced Lead Biochemist to drive critical aspects of their drug discovery pipeline. This hybrid role, based at our advanced research facility in Klerksdorp , combines hands-on laboratory work with strategic planning and team leadership. You will be instrumental in developing novel biochemical assays, characterizing drug targets, and evaluating potential therapeutic compounds. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in biochemistry, extensive experience in assay development, and a proven ability to lead scientific projects. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative medicines in a collaborative and stimulating environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, optimization, and implementation of biochemical and biophysical assays to support drug discovery programs.
• Characterize drug targets, understand enzyme kinetics, and evaluate compound potency and selectivity.
• Supervise and mentor a team of research scientists and technicians, guiding their experimental work.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, structural biologists, and pharmacologists to advance lead compounds.
• Analyze and interpret complex biochemical data, and present findings clearly to project teams and senior management.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of drug discovery projects and identify new therapeutic opportunities.
• Ensure rigorous adherence to experimental protocols and maintain high-quality data integrity.
• Manage laboratory inventory, equipment, and budget for assigned projects.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a strong focus on biochemical assay development.
• Proven expertise in enzyme kinetics, protein-ligand binding assays (e.g., SPR, ITC), and biochemical screening methods.
• Experience with various detection methods (e.g., fluorescence, luminescence, mass spectrometry).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor junior scientists and manage research projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for effective collaboration and presentation.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid research setting, balancing on-site and remote tasks.

Benefits

• This hybrid role offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, alongside performance-based bonuses and an extensive benefits package.
• This includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and a generous retirement savings plan.
• Our client is committed to professional development, offering support for attending scientific conferences, workshops, and advanced training programs.
• Employees enjoy ample paid time off and the flexibility afforded by a hybrid work model.
• The position is based at our modern facility in Klerksdorp , providing access to state-of-the-art equipment and a collaborative scientific community.
• Additional benefits include potential stock options and wellness programs.