Lead Biologist - Pharmaceutical Development

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Professional growth via international/

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Biologist in Cape Town to spearhead pharmaceutical development. You will oversee a team of scientists, set scientific direction, manage research pipelines, and drive candidates toward preclinical advancement.

The role requires a PhD with 7+ years in pharma R&D, leadership experience, and proven expertise in oncology or immunology. You will collaborate across disciplines, interpret complex data, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology-related field with drug discovery focus.
• 7+ years of pharma R&D with 3+ years in leadership.
• Expertise in oncology, immunology, or infectious diseases.
• Experience with diverse biological assays and screening technologies.
• Proven ability to manage projects, budgets, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong publication record or patents.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team in drug discovery programs.
• Develop strategic research plans for identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets.
• Oversee design and execution of in vitro and in vivo studies for efficacy and safety.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and clinical teams to advance drug candidates.
• Analyze biological data and present findings to senior management and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, ethical, and regulatory standards.

Skills

Leadership

Drug discovery

Biology expertise

Data analysis

Project management

Education

PhD in Biology/Pharmacology/Biochemistry

Tools

Omics data analysis

In vitro assays

In vivo models

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Biologist to spearhead their pharmaceutical development initiatives in Cape Town . This critical role involves overseeing a team of scientists dedicated to discovering and validating new drug targets. You will be responsible for setting the scientific direction, managing research pipelines, and ensuring the successful transition of promising candidates into preclinical development. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on human health within a leading pharmaceutical research organization based in the vibrant city of Cape Town .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of biologists and research associates in drug discovery programs.
• Develop and implement strategic research plans for identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets.
• Oversee the design and execution of complex in vitro and in vivo studies to assess drug efficacy and safety.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and clinical teams to advance drug candidates through the development pipeline.
• Analyze and interpret complex biological data, presenting key findings and recommendations to senior management and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laboratory safety, ethical, and regulatory standards in pharmaceutical development .

Requirements

• PhD in Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or a related field with a strong focus on drug discovery.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical research and development , with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in areas such as oncology, immunology, or infectious diseases.
• Experience with various biological assays, screening technologies, and omics data analysis.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and cross-functional teams effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong publication record or patent filings.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to lead cutting-edge research in pharmaceutical development in Cape Town .
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave.
• Support for professional growth, including participation in international conferences and workshops.