Lead Organic Chemist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Benefits package

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton seeks a dynamic Lead Organic Chemist to direct synthetic chemistry efforts for pharmaceutical applications. You will guide a team of chemists, oversee route design, and ensure efficient, scalable production of target compounds.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry with 7+ years of post‑doctoral experience, demonstrates strong leadership, and excels in modern spectroscopic characterization. The role offers a highly competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years post-PhD research experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Proven ability to lead projects and manage a research team.
• Experience with modern spectroscopic methods for compound characterization.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex multi-step organic synthesis projects.
• Lead and mentor a team of synthetic organic chemists.
• Oversee synthetic route design and scalable production.
• Characterize compounds using NMR, MS, and IR; collaborate with medicinal chemistry.
• Ensure laboratory operations comply with safety and regulatory guidelines.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Synthetic organic chemistry

Spectroscopic analysis (NMR, MS, IR)

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry or closely related field

Tools

NMR spectroscopy

Mass spectrometry (MS)

Infrared spectroscopy (IR)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Organic Chemist to direct their synthetic chemistry efforts in Sandton . This senior position involves leading innovative research and development projects focused on the synthesis of complex organic molecules for pharmaceutical applications. You will guide a team of talented chemists, oversee synthetic route design, and ensure the efficient and scalable production of target compounds. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional synthetic expertise and strong leadership capabilities, driving forward our discovery programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex multi-step organic synthesis projects.
• Develop and optimize synthetic routes for novel compounds with high yield and purity.
• Lead and mentor a team of synthetic organic chemists, providing technical guidance and project management.
• Characterize synthesized compounds using modern spectroscopic techniques (NMR, MS, IR).
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists and biologists to support drug discovery efforts.
• Ensure all laboratory operations adhere to safety protocols and regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in synthetic organic chemistry, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in a wide range of organic reactions and synthesis techniques.
• Experience with modern spectroscopic and analytical methods for compound characterization.
• Proven ability to manage projects and lead a research team effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a creative approach to synthetic challenges.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and attractive bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending scientific conferences.
• Access to well-equipped synthesis laboratories and advanced analytical instrumentation in Sandton .
• A collaborative and innovative research environment focused on significant scientific contributions.