Lead Medicinal Chemist – Hybrid Role, Pretoria

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking an experienced Lead Medicinal Chemist for our client, a pharmaceutical research organization, to lead design, synthesis and optimization of novel small molecules. You will mentor a team of chemists and shape project strategy in drug discovery.

The role emphasizes collaboration with biologists, pharmacologists and DMPK, with emphasis on SAR, molecular modelling, and structure-based design.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry with a strong publication record.
• 8+ years of post-doctoral and/or industrial experience in drug discovery with proven leadership.
• Experience designing and synthesizing complex organic molecules.
• Deep understanding of SAR and molecular modelling.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Solid understanding of drug discovery principles and development processes.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience with diverse therapeutic areas is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of medicinal chemists in the design and synthesis of novel drug candidates.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for hit-to-lead and lead optimization programs.
• Design and synthesize diverse compound libraries targeting key disease areas.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK scientists to advance projects.
• Utilize computational chemistry tools and structure-based drug design principles.
• Oversee and interpret synthetic chemistry results, guiding routes and problem-solving.
• Manage external synthesis collaborations and ensure timely delivery of high-quality compounds.
• Contribute to IP through patent applications and publications.

Skills

Leadership

Drug discovery

SAR modelling

Molecular modelling

Collaboration

Communication

Education

PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

Computational chemistry tools

Job description

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking an experienced Lead Medicinal Chemist for our client, a pharmaceutical research organization, to lead design, synthesis and optimization of novel small molecules. You will mentor a team of chemists and shape project strategy in drug discovery.

The role emphasizes collaboration with biologists, pharmacologists and DMPK, with emphasis on SAR, molecular modelling, and structure-based design.