Lead Drug Discovery Scientist — Shape Life-Saving Medicines

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

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