Lead Medicinal Chemist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Share options

Private medical

Dental coverage

Retirement plan

Conference funding

Relocation assistance

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Medicinal Chemist to drive discovery at a Cape Town facility. You will lead a team in designing, synthesizing, and optimizing novel small molecules across multiple therapeutic areas.

You will collaborate with biologists and pharmacologists, apply SAR/QSAR, and guide lead optimization while publishing and contributing to patents. This senior role emphasizes leadership, strategic planning, and high-impact research.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry with emphasis on synthetic methodology.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in medicinal chemistry within pharma/biotech.
• Proven track record of designing and synthesizing novel chemical entities with biological activity.
• Deep understanding of modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques and purification methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of medicinal chemists in design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecule candidates.
• Develop and implement innovative synthetic strategies to access complex targets.
• Collaborate with biologists and pharmacologists to establish SAR and guide lead optimization.
• Utilize computational chemistry tools to inform design and predict properties.
• Oversee challenging projects and ensure timely delivery of high-quality compounds.
• Contribute to strategic planning and prioritization of drug discovery projects.
• Author and review publications, patents, and internal reports.

Skills

Leadership

Medicinal Chemistry

Team Management

Small Molecule Design

Synthesis

SAR

QSAR

Computational Chemistry

Communication Skills

Publications/Patents

Process Development

Education

PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

Molecular Modeling

QSAR Software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the pharmaceutical sector, is actively seeking a dynamic and accomplished Lead Medicinal Chemist to spearhead innovative drug discovery initiatives from their state-of-the-art facility in Cape Town . This senior role is crucial for driving the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecule drug candidates across various therapeutic areas. You will be at the forefront of chemical innovation, leading a talented team of chemists and collaborating closely with biologists and pharmacologists to translate scientific insights into potential life-saving medicines. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a company renowned for its commitment to scientific excellence and its impactful contributions to global health. The position is ideally suited for a seasoned professional looking to make a significant impact within a leading pharmaceutical organization, located in the beautiful and scientifically vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of medicinal chemists in the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecule drug candidates.
• Develop and implement innovative synthetic strategies to access complex molecular targets.
• Collaborate closely with biologists and pharmacologists to establish structure-activity relationships (SAR) and guide lead optimization efforts.
• Utilize computational chemistry tools and techniques to inform molecular design and predict properties.
• Oversee and troubleshoot challenging synthetic chemistry projects, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality compounds.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and prioritization of drug discovery projects within the pipeline.
• Author and review scientific publications, patents, and internal reports.
• Ensure adherence to all safety protocols and laboratory best practices.
• Present research findings to internal project teams, leadership, and at external scientific conferences.
• Stay current with advancements in medicinal chemistry, synthetic methodologies, and drug discovery technologies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry, with a strong emphasis on synthetic methodology.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in medicinal chemistry within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Proven track record of successfully designing and synthesizing novel chemical entities with demonstrated biological activity.
• Deep understanding of modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques and purification methods.
• Experience with structure-based drug design and computational chemistry tools (e.g., molecular modeling, QSAR).
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide junior chemists.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.
• A history of publications and/or patents in the field of medicinal chemistry.
• Experience with process development and scale-up considerations is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a performance-based bonus, and an attractive share option plan.
• Employees receive comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including private medical and dental coverage, and a robust retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional growth are abundant, with funding for conferences, workshops, and advanced training.
• The company fosters a collaborative and innovative culture, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
• Generous annual leave entitlement and potential for relocation assistance are also provided.
• This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge projects and contribute meaningfully to the development of new therapies, situated in the scenic and inspiring environment of Cape Town .