Lead Neuropharmacology Scientist – Drug Discovery

Placements24; Graafwater; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Generous annual leave

Conference participation

Advanced research facilities

Bonuses and incentives

Retirement annuity

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Principal Scientist in Neuropharmacology to lead drug discovery programs and shape neuroscience strategy. You will design and execute sophisticated in vitro and in vivo studies, mentor junior scientists, and drive translational efforts within state-of-the-art facilities.

The ideal candidate has a PhD with 7–10 years in neuropharmacology, strong leadership, and a passion for developing therapies for neurological disorders.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Biology, or a related discipline.
• 7–10 years of progressive neuropharmacology research with a strong drug discovery focus.
• Experience designing and conducting in vivo models of neurological and psychiatric diseases.
• Proven experience with receptor binding assays, in vitro functional assays, and in vivo efficacy studies.
• Strong understanding of neurobiology and CNS drug mechanisms.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and presentation skills with team management experience.
• Experience with biopharmaceutical development processes and regulatory requirements desirable.
• A passion for advancing treatments for neurological disorders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage drug discovery programs in neuropharmacology from target identification through lead optimization.
• Design, conduct, and interpret complex in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies for target engagement and efficacy.
• Develop and validate novel assays for screening and characterizing neurological drug candidates.
• Investigate disease mechanisms and identify novel therapeutic targets in neurodegeneration and psychiatric disorders.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemistry and biology teams to advance candidates through the pipeline.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior scientists and research staff.
• Analyze and interpret complex pharmacological and behavioral data with rigorous conclusions.
• Contribute to publications, patent applications, and regulatory documents.
• Stay updated on neuroscience advancements and emerging technologies.
• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to management and stakeholders.

Skills

Neuropharmacology

Drug discovery

In vivo models

Receptor binding assays

In vitro functional assays

Leadership

Communication

Education

PhD in Pharmacology

PhD in Neuroscience

Job description

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Principal Scientist in Neuropharmacology to lead drug discovery programs and shape neuroscience strategy. You will design and execute sophisticated in vitro and in vivo studies, mentor junior scientists, and drive translational efforts within state-of-the-art facilities.

The ideal candidate has a PhD with 7–10 years in neuropharmacology, strong leadership, and a passion for developing therapies for neurological disorders.