Lead Drug Discovery Scientist

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Relocation assistance

Opportunities for professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 leads a premier pharmaceutical research initiative in George, Western Cape, seeking a Lead Drug Discovery Scientist. You will guide a cross-disciplinary team to identify and validate novel targets and advance small molecule and biologic candidates from discovery toward pre-clinical stages.

The role demands hands-on leadership, strategic vision, and a track record of moving compounds forward, with strong collaboration across chemists, pharmacologists, and toxicologists in a

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum 8 years in drug discovery with at least 3 years in a leadership or team management role.
• Proven track record of advancing drug candidates from discovery to pre-clinical stages.
• Extensive experience with various assay development techniques (e.g., biochemical, cellular, phenotypic).
• Strong knowledge of small molecule and/or biologic drug discovery principles.
• Excellent leadership, team management and communication skills.
• Experience with CROs and external collaborators is desirable.
• Willingness to relocate to George, Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of research scientists focused on drug discovery programs.
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies to assess target engagement and efficacy of drug candidates.
• Develop and optimize assay platforms for high-throughput screening and hit-to-lead optimization.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and toxicologists to advance drug candidates.
• Analyze and interpret complex biological data, providing critical insights for project direction.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of drug discovery initiatives and pipeline development.
• Maintain a deep understanding of relevant therapeutic areas and competitive landscape.
• Prepare and present research findings to internal stakeholders and external collaborators.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory guidelines within the laboratory.
• Contribute to patent filings and scientific publications.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Data interpretation

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

PhD in Pharmacology / Biochemistry / Molecular Biology

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazer in pharmaceutical research and development, is seeking an exceptional Lead Drug Discovery Scientist to spearhead innovative projects within their advanced research center located in George, Western Cape . This critical role involves guiding a team of talented scientists in the identification and validation of novel therapeutic targets and the development of small molecule and biologic drug candidates. The successful candidate will play a key part in advancing our client's pipeline from early-stage discovery through to pre-clinical development. This position is based at our client's state-of-the-art facility in George and requires a hands-on, strategic leader passionate about revolutionizing medicine. We are dedicated to creating a challenging yet rewarding work environment that fosters scientific rigor and groundbreaking achievements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of research scientists focused on drug discovery programs.
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies to assess target engagement and efficacy of drug candidates.
• Develop and optimize assay platforms for high-throughput screening and hit-to-lead optimization.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and toxicologists to advance drug candidates.
• Analyze and interpret complex biological data, providing critical insights for project direction.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of drug discovery initiatives and pipeline development.
• Maintain a deep understanding of relevant therapeutic areas and competitive landscape.
• Prepare and present research findings to internal stakeholders and external collaborators.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory guidelines within the laboratory.
• Contribute to patent filings and scientific publications.

Requirements

• A PhD in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in drug discovery, with at least 3 years in a leadership or team management role.
• Proven track record of successfully advancing drug candidates from discovery to pre-clinical stages.
• Extensive experience with various assay development techniques (e.g., biochemical, cellular, phenotypic assays).
• Strong knowledge of small molecule and/or biologic drug discovery principles.
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and interpret complex experiments.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Experience working with CROs and external collaborators is desirable.
• Familiarity with medicinal chemistry principles and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies.
• Residency or willingness to relocate to George, Western Cape is mandatory.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, a retirement savings plan, and significant opportunities for professional growth.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment in beautiful George , contributing directly to the development of life-saving medicines.