Lead Pharmacologist - Preclinical Research

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Conference funding

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Pharmacologist to drive preclinical research at our Paarl facility. You will design and oversee in vivo and in vitro studies, interpret PK/PD data, and guide a team of pharmacologists and technicians.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Pharmacology or Toxicology, with 7+ years in drug discovery. You will collaborate across disciplines, ensure GLP compliance, and contribute to regulatory filings and strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or related life science.
• ≥7 years post‑doctoral or industry experience in drug discovery and development.
• Proven expertise in in vivo efficacy models and PK studies.
• Strong knowledge of DMPK principles.
• Experience leading a research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; publications.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee in vivo and in vitro pharmacological studies.
• Analyze efficacy, toxicity, and PK/PD data.
• Develop and validate preclinical assays and models.
• Mentor and direct a research team.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemistry, toxicology, and clinical teams.
• Prepare study reports and contribute to regulatory filings.
• Present findings at meetings and conferences.
• Ensure GLP and animal welfare compliance in Paarl.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Team mentorship

Education

PhD in Pharmacology or related field

Tools

Data analysis software

Scientific databases

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading biopharmaceutical company, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Pharmacologist to drive preclinical research efforts at their state‑of‑the‑art facility in Paarl, Western Cape. This critical role will involve designing, executing, and interpreting in vivo and in vitro studies to assess the efficacy and safety of novel drug candidates. You will lead a team of skilled pharmacologists and technicians, contributing significantly to the drug discovery and development pipeline. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of drug action mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. This position offers a remarkable opportunity to shape therapeutic strategies and contribute to the advancement of medicine in a highly collaborative and innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and oversee in vivo and in vitro pharmacological studies to evaluate potential drug candidates.
• Analyze and interpret complex pharmacological data, including efficacy, toxicity, and PK/PD profiles.
• Develop and validate new preclinical assays and models relevant to specific therapeutic areas.
• Lead and mentor a team of research associates and scientists, providing scientific direction and guidance.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, toxicologists, and clinical development teams.
• Prepare comprehensive study reports, research summaries, and contribute to regulatory filings.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in pharmacology and relevant therapeutic areas.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.
• Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines, animal welfare regulations, and good laboratory practices (GLP) in Paarl, Western Cape.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or a related life science discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of post‑doctoral or industrial experience in drug discovery and development, with a focus on pharmacology.
• Proven experience in designing and conducting in‑vivo efficacy models and pharmacokinetic studies.
• Strong understanding of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic (DMPK) principles.
• Experience leading and managing a research team is essential.
• Expertise in specific therapeutic areas (e.g., oncology, immunology, neuroscience) is a significant advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of scientific publications.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and relevant scientific databases.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, collaborative R&D setting.
• Must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Paarl, Western Cape area.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance‑based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including excellent health insurance, a robust retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off. We are committed to fostering professional development through support for attending conferences, workshops, and continuous learning opportunities. The company provides access to cutting‑edge research technologies and a collaborative environment where innovation thrives. Join a team dedicated to making a significant impact on patient lives through groundbreaking pharmaceutical research.