Lead R&D Chemist - Pharmaceuticals

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Wellness programs

Growth opportunities

Leave & retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Lead R&D Chemist to spearhead pharmaceutical research from concept to pre-clinical development. You will lead a team of chemists, drive synthetic routes, and ensure rigorous safety and quality in all activities.

The role focuses on developing new drug candidates, coordinating cross-functional teams, and contributing to patents and publications while upholding scientific excellence.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or related field.
• 7+ years in pharmaceutical R&D with demonstrated leadership.
• Expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms and purification techniques.
• Proficiency with analytical techniques such as NMR, Mass Spectrometry and HPLC.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of R&D chemists in synthetic chemistry projects.
• Develop novel synthetic routes for complex organic molecules and drug candidates.
• Oversee purification, characterization, and analytical testing of compounds.
• Collaborate with biologists and pharmacologists to advance drug discovery programs.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and lab best practices in Cape Town.
• Contribute to patent applications and publications.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Project management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Ph.D. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

HPLC

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and experienced Lead R&D Chemist to spearhead pharmaceutical research and development initiatives in Cape Town . This leadership role is critical for driving the discovery and synthesis of new drug candidates from initial concept through to pre-clinical development. You will manage a team of chemists, foster a collaborative research environment, and ensure the highest standards of scientific rigor and safety are maintained. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of life-saving medications and shape the future of pharmaceutical innovation within a leading research organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of R&D chemists in the design and execution of synthetic chemistry projects.
• Develop novel synthetic routes for complex organic molecules and potential drug candidates.
• Oversee the purification, characterization, and analytical testing of synthesized compounds.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including biologists and pharmacologists, to advance drug discovery programs.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and laboratory best practices in Cape Town.
• Contribute to patent applications and scientific publications, documenting research progress and outcomes.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D, with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and purification techniques.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as NMR, Mass Spectrometry, and HPLC.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery processes and medicinal chemistry principles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and project management skills.

Benefits

• Attractive remuneration package and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.
• Opportunities for professional growth and continued learning.
• Generous leave allowance and retirement fund contributions.
• A dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment in Cape Town .