Lead Computational Chemist for Drug Discovery

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Computational Chemist in Gauteng to spearhead drug discovery efforts at a premier biopharmaceutical R&D site. You will guide a team of computational chemists and data scientists, applying cheminformatics, molecular modeling, docking, and QSAR to translate targets into drug candidates.

The role requires a Ph.D. and 7+ years in pharma computational chemistry, with leadership and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, Theoretical Chemistry, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in computational chemistry, with significant drug discovery experience in pharma.
• Expertise with molecular modeling software (Schrödinger, MOE, Discovery Studio) and visualization tools.
• Strong understanding of cheminformatics, databases, and data mining; programming for workflows (Python/Perl) preferred.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with a track record of delivering projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of computational chemists and data scientists.
• Develop and implement computational strategies for hit identification and lead optimization.
• Use molecular modeling, docking, virtual screening, and QSAR to guide drug design.
• Integrate structural biology, assays, and ADMET into workflows.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to design synthesis targets and interpret results.
• Manage computational resources and large-scale simulations.
• Contribute to project strategy and present findings to stakeholders.
• Foster innovation and scientific excellence within the team.

Skills

Leadership

Drug discovery experience

Science communication

Project management

Education

Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry or related field

Tools

Schrödinger Suite

MOE

Discovery Studio

Python

Perl

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering biopharmaceutical company, is actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Computational Chemist to spearhead their drug discovery efforts in **Tembisa, Gauteng**. This pivotal role involves leveraging advanced computational methodologies to design, predict, and optimize novel therapeutic molecules. You will lead a dedicated team of computational chemists and data scientists, fostering an environment of innovation and scientific rigor. The position is based in our state-of-the-art research facility in **Tembisa, Gauteng**, and requires a deep understanding of cheminformatics, molecular modeling, and structure-based drug design. The Lead Computational Chemist will play a crucial part in translating biological targets into viable drug candidates, working closely with medicinal chemists and biologists to accelerate the drug development pipeline. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of pharmaceutical research within a collaborative and forward-thinking organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of computational chemists, providing scientific direction and technical guidance.
• Develop and implement advanced computational strategies for hit identification and lead optimization.
• Utilize molecular modeling, docking, virtual screening, and QSAR techniques to guide drug design.
• Integrate structural biology data, biochemical assays, and ADMET predictions into computational workflows.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists to design synthesis targets and interpret experimental results.
• Manage computational resources and infrastructure, ensuring efficient execution of large-scale simulations.
• Contribute to project strategy, identify new technological opportunities, and present findings to stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of innovation and scientific excellence within the computational chemistry group.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, Theoretical Chemistry, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in computational chemistry, with a significant portion focused on drug discovery in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular modeling software (e.g., Schrödinger Suite, MOE, Discovery Studio) and visualization tools.
• Strong understanding of cheminformatics principles, database management, and data mining techniques.
• Proven experience with programming languages (e.g., Python, Perl) for workflow automation and data analysis.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a track record of successful project delivery.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience working in a **Tembisa, Gauteng** based R&D environment.
• Familiarity with machine learning applications in drug discovery is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive salary package, including a performance-driven bonus structure and long-term incentive plans.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits program that includes premium health, dental, and vision insurance.
• A generous retirement savings plan with employer matching is available.
• Opportunities for professional growth are abundant, including funding for conferences, training, and further education.

Our **Tembisa, Gauteng** location boasts a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation. We also provide ample paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays, promoting a healthy work-life balance. Join a company where your contributions directly impact the development of life-saving medicines.