Lead Medicinal Chemist

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Medicinal Chemist to drive drug discovery initiatives from a research hub in South Africa. You will remotely guide a team of chemists in designing, synthesizing, and optimizing novel drug candidates, shaping discovery strategies and applying cutting-edge methods.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in pharma/biotech, PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry, and a proven track record leading drug discovery projects. Strong SAR, ADMET, and leadership skills are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry.
• 7+ years in pharma/biotech with drug discovery focus.
• Proven track record in discovering clinical candidates.
• Strong ADMET and stereochemistry expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of medicinal chemists in designing and synthesizing novel small molecules.
• Develop innovative synthetic strategies and guide complex organic transformations.
• Oversee lead-optimization to improve potency, selectivity, PK, and safety.
• Collaborate with biologists, pharmacologists, and computational chemists to drive momentum.
• Design and interpret SAR studies to guide compound selection and optimization.
• Ensure timely delivery of chemical matter for biological testing and preclinical development.
• Contribute to IP generation through patent filings and publications.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets to hit milestones.
• Stay updated on medicinal chemistry advances and therapeutic areas.
• Promote a culture of scientific excellence and collaboration.

Skills

Team leadership

SAR expertise

ADMET optimization

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

PhD in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized pharmaceutical powerhouse, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Medicinal Chemist to drive drug discovery initiatives from their advanced research hub. This role offers the exciting opportunity to remotely guide a talented team of chemists in the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel drug candidates. You will be instrumental in shaping discovery strategies, applying cutting-edge synthetic methodologies, and ensuring the progression of promising molecules through the preclinical pipeline. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of structure-activity relationships (SAR), modern synthetic techniques, and a proven track record of leading successful drug discovery projects. This position is perfect for a visionary leader passionate about transforming scientific breakthroughs into life-saving therapies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of medicinal chemists in the design and synthesis of novel small molecules for target therapeutic areas.
• Develop innovative synthetic strategies and guide the execution of complex organic transformations.
• Oversee the optimization of lead compounds to improve potency, selectivity, pharmacokinetic properties, and safety profiles.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and computational chemists to integrate diverse data and drive project momentum.
• Design and interpret SAR studies, making data-driven decisions for compound selection and further optimization.
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality chemical matter for biological testing and preclinical development.
• Contribute significantly to intellectual property generation through patent filings and scientific publications.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets effectively to achieve key milestones.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in medicinal chemistry, synthetic methodologies, and relevant therapeutic areas.
• Promote a culture of scientific excellence, collaboration, and innovation within the team.

Requirements

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, with a significant portion focused on drug discovery and optimization.
• Proven track record of successfully contributing to the discovery of clinical candidates.
• Extensive expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and stereochemistry.
• Strong understanding of ADMET properties and strategies for their optimization.
• Experience in managing and mentoring scientific teams.
• Excellent understanding of biological targets and disease pathways relevant to drug discovery.
• Outstanding problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including presentation abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, highly collaborative, and remote environment.

Benefits

• highly competitive salary
• a comprehensive benefits package including excellent health, dental, and vision insurance
• a generous retirement savings plan
• substantial bonus opportunities
• unparalleled flexibility
• continuous professional development
• access to cutting-edge scientific literature
• a supportive work culture that empowers innovation