Lead Research Chemist - Organic Synthesis

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Travel opportunities

State-of-the-art labs in Durban

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Research Chemist in Durban to design and execute complex multi-step organic syntheses for novel compounds. The role involves leading a team, driving project timelines, and ensuring safety and scientific rigor in a premier R&D setting.

The ideal candidate has a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with 7+ years of hands-on experience, a broad repertoire of reactions and purification methods, and a strong publication record.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or closely related field.
• 7+ years hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry (academic and industrial).
• Expertise across a broad range of organic reactions and purification techniques.
• Proven ability to lead research projects, manage timelines, and deliver results.
• Strong publication record and excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex multi-step organic syntheses for target molecules.
• Optimize conditions and develop scalable synthetic processes.
• Supervise and mentor junior chemists; guide experimental design and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with analytical chemists to confirm purity and identity of compounds.
• Stay updated on cutting-edge organic synthesis techniques and promote adoption.

Skills

Lead research

Team leadership

Organic synthesis

Analytical collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

HPLC

Mass spectrometry

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Lead Research Chemist with a specialization in Organic Synthesis to join their innovative research division in Durban . In this critical role, you will lead the design and execution of synthetic routes for novel chemical entities, playing a key part in the discovery and development of new materials and compounds. You will manage a team of chemists, drive project timelines, and ensure the highest standards of scientific rigor and safety are maintained. This position is ideal for a seasoned synthetic chemist looking to make a significant impact in a leading R&D environment within KwaZulu-Natal .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex multi-step organic syntheses to prepare target molecules for evaluation.
• Optimize reaction conditions and develop robust synthetic processes suitable for scale-up.
• Supervise and mentor junior chemists, providing guidance on experimental design and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with analytical chemists to characterize synthesized compounds and ensure purity and identity.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in organic synthesis and chemical technologies, and champion their adoption within the team.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry, including academic and industrial settings.
• Demonstrated expertise in a broad range of organic reactions and purification techniques.
• Proven ability to lead research projects, manage timelines, and deliver results in a timely manner.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a strong publication record.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and annual bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for international and domestic travel to scientific conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art synthesis laboratories and analytical instrumentation in Durban .
• A supportive and collaborative work culture that encourages scientific curiosity and innovation.