Lead Research Chemist - Pharmaceutical Development

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a globally recognized pharmaceutical research leader to hire a Lead Research Chemist. This remote-first role can be performed anywhere in South Africa.

You will lead chemists, oversee projects from conception to early development, and drive discovery of novel pharmaceutical compounds. Ideal candidates hold a PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry with 7+ years of pharma R&D experience, strong expertise in modern synthetic chemistry, and proven leadership in remote

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or related field.
• 7+ years of pharma R&D experience with focus on synthesis and drug discovery.
• Strong knowledge of modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage research projects focused on synthesis and characterization of new chemical entities for pharmaceutical applications.
• Design and execute complex synthetic routes, optimize reaction conditions and troubleshoot challenges.
• Develop and implement analytical methods for compound characterization, purity, and stability testing.
• Collaborate with biologists, pharmacologists and formulation scientists to advance drug candidates.
• Mentor junior chemists and guide a virtual team; review progress and provide technical leadership.
• Prepare detailed research reports, scientific publications, and patent applications.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and regulatory guidelines in remote lab settings.
• Stay updated on advances in synthetic and medicinal chemistry and manage project timelines and budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Synthetic chemistry

NMR

MS

HPLC

GC

SAR knowledge

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

ELNs

Chemical inventory systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in scientific research and development, is actively seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Research Chemist to join their innovative team. This is a remote-first position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in driving the discovery and development of novel pharmaceutical compounds. You will lead a dedicated team of chemists, overseeing research projects from conception through to early-stage development. This role demands exceptional scientific expertise, strong leadership qualities, and a passion for advancing human health through cutting-edge chemical research. As a remote-first role, effective virtual collaboration and communication are paramount.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage research projects focused on the synthesis and characterization of new chemical entities for pharmaceutical applications.


• Design and execute complex synthetic routes, optimize reaction conditions, and troubleshoot synthetic challenges.


• Develop and implement analytical methods for compound characterization, purity assessment, and stability testing.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including biologists, pharmacologists, and formulation scientists, to advance drug candidates through the development pipeline.


• Mentor and guide junior chemists, providing technical expertise and fostering professional growth within a virtual team setting.


• Prepare detailed research reports, scientific publications, and patent applications.


• Ensure adherence to all relevant safety protocols and regulatory guidelines in a remote laboratory setup or collaborative environment.


• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences.


• Effectively manage project timelines, resources, and budgets for assigned research initiatives.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field.


• A minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D, with a significant portion focused on synthetic chemistry and drug discovery.


• Demonstrated expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques and a strong understanding of reaction mechanisms.


• Proven experience in leading research projects and mentoring scientific staff, ideally in a remote or hybrid capacity.


• Proficiency with analytical techniques such as NMR, Mass Spectrometry, HPLC, and GC.


• Excellent understanding of medicinal chemistry principles and structure-activity relationships (SAR).


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts effectively in a remote setting.


• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic research environment.


• Experience with electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) and chemical inventory management systems.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, designed to support our remote workforce. This includes excellent health insurance, a generous retirement plan, and flexible working hours. We provide opportunities for continuous professional development, including access to online courses, virtual conferences, and research collaborations. Our client is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive work culture, even in a remote setting, ensuring all team members feel connected and valued. You will have the autonomy to manage your workload and contribute significantly to impactful pharmaceutical innovation from the comfort of your chosen location.