Lead Computational Chemist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.800.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Advanced computational resources

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Performance-based incentives

Paid time off

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Computational Chemist in Cape Town to spearhead drug discovery efforts. You will lead a team of computational chemists, design and run advanced simulations, and collaborate with medicinal chemistry and biology to optimize compounds.

You will shape methodologies, manage resources, and present results to stakeholders while advancing scientific excellence in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifikationen

• PhD in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in computational chemistry, drug discovery.
• Proven leadership of scientific teams.
• Expertise with molecular modeling software and cheminformatics toolkits.
• Strong foundation in ML for chemical/biological data.

Aufgaben

• Lead and mentor a team of computational chemists and guide projects.
• Design and execute simulations, docking, virtual screening, and QSAR.
• Develop novel computational methods to solve drug design problems.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemistry and biology to interpret experiments.
• Manage resources and infrastructure for software/hardware use.
• Present findings to stakeholders and at conferences.
• Contribute to strategic direction of computational chemistry.
• Ensure timely, high-quality results aligned with timelines.

Kenntnisse

Molecular modeling

Cheminformatics

Machine learning

Data visualization

Team leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Ausbildung

PhD in Computational Chemistry

Tools

Schrödinger

MOE

AMBER

GROMACS

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized pharmaceutical research organization, is seeking an exceptional Lead Computational Chemist to spearhead their drug discovery initiatives in Cape Town . This pivotal role involves leading a team of talented computational chemists and collaborating closely with medicinal chemists and biologists to identify and optimize novel therapeutic agents. You will leverage state-of-the-art computational techniques, including molecular modeling, cheminformatics, and machine learning, to accelerate the drug discovery pipeline. The role offers a unique blend of scientific leadership, hands-on research, and strategic planning within a dynamic and well-resourced laboratory environment. While this role is based in our modern Cape Town facilities, a hybrid work model allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. We are dedicated to fostering an environment of scientific excellence, innovation, and personal growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement. This is an exciting chance to make a significant impact on human health by contributing to the development of life-saving medicines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of computational chemists, providing scientific guidance and project management.
• Design and execute computational chemistry studies, including molecular dynamics simulations, docking, virtual screening, and QSAR modeling, to support drug discovery projects.
• Develop and apply novel computational methodologies and algorithms to solve complex problems in drug design.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemistry and biology teams to interpret experimental data and guide compound optimization efforts.
• Manage computational resources and infrastructure, ensuring efficient and effective use of software and hardware.
• Present research findings to internal stakeholders and at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of computational chemistry within the organization.
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality computational chemistry results aligned with project timelines.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in computational chemistry, with a significant portion focused on drug discovery.
• Proven experience in leading and managing scientific teams.
• Expertise in molecular modeling software (e.g., Schrödinger, MOE, AMBER, GROMACS) and cheminformatics toolkits.
• Strong understanding of machine learning techniques applied to chemical and biological data.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience with data visualization and management tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment, demonstrating strong collaboration and communication skills.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a generous retirement savings plan.
• Employees have access to advanced computational resources and cutting-edge software.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attending conferences and workshops, are provided.
• The hybrid work model offers flexibility, and the vibrant city of Cape Town provides an excellent quality of life.
• We also offer performance-based incentives and a supportive, innovative work culture.
• Paid time off and opportunities for career progression within a leading pharmaceutical research company are key components of our employee offerings.