Lead Drug Discovery Chemist - Medicinal Chemistry

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Healthcare benefits

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Drug Discovery Chemist to head medicinal chemistry efforts in Centurion, Gauteng. You will lead a team of chemists, drive the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules with therapeutic potential.

The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. in organic/medicinal chemistry and at least 7 years’ experience in drug discovery, with a proven track record of leading projects from discovery to preclinical development.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry with relevant post‑doctoral experience.
• Extensive experience leading medicinal chemistry projects from discovery to preclinical development.
• Strong SAR understanding and use of modern synthetic methods.
• Proven leadership and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and synthesis of novel chemical entities with therapeutic potential.
• Mentor a team of medicinal chemists and foster a high‑performing research environment.
• Develop strategic synthetic routes for complex target molecules.
• Interpret SAR data to optimize lead compounds for potency and PK properties.
• Collaborate with biologists, pharmacologists, and ADME scientists to drive progress.
• Manage CRO collaborations for specialized synthetic needs.
• Ensure rigorous documentation of procedures, results, and IP.
• Present findings and strategic recommendations to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Medicinal chemistry

SAR analysis

Drug discovery strategy

Communication

Project management

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

Computational chemistry tools

Molecular modeling software

ADME prediction tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent pharmaceutical research organization, is seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Drug Discovery Chemist to head their medicinal chemistry efforts in Centurion, Gauteng . This critical role involves spearheading the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules with therapeutic potential. You will lead a team of talented chemists, guiding them through the complex journey of drug discovery from hit identification to lead optimization. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry principles, and structure-activity relationships (SAR). This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a passion for translating scientific insights into tangible therapeutic solutions. The role is based in our state-of-the-art research and development facility in Centurion , equipped with cutting-edge technology and resources necessary for advanced drug discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and synthesis of novel chemical entities with desired pharmacological profiles.
• Direct and mentor a team of medicinal chemists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing research environment.
• Develop and execute strategic synthetic routes for complex target molecules.
• Interpret SAR data and guide iterative optimization of lead compounds to improve potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and ADME scientists to integrate data and drive project progression.
• Manage external collaborations with contract research organizations (CROs) for specialized synthetic chemistry needs.
• Ensure rigorous documentation of experimental procedures, results, and intellectual property.
• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to senior management and project teams.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in drug discovery within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Demonstrated success in leading medicinal chemistry projects from discovery through to pre-clinical development.
• Expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques and reaction methodologies.
• Strong understanding of ADME principles and their impact on drug design.
• Excellent knowledge of computational chemistry tools and techniques for molecular modeling and SAR analysis.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide scientific staff.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a track record of impactful scientific presentations and publications.
• Experience working in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment at our Centurion site.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, reflecting the seniority and importance of this role.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and optical benefits, is provided.
• A generous retirement savings plan and life assurance are also part of the package.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attendance at international conferences and advanced training programs.
• Access to world-class laboratory facilities and cutting-edge instrumentation.
• A stimulating work environment focused on innovation and scientific excellence.
• Potential for career growth into senior leadership positions within the organization.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates moving to the Centurion area.
• Join our client and make a significant impact on the future of medicine.