Lead Research Scientist - Drug Discovery

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus

Executive health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development budget

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Research Scientist in Mahikeng to drive strategic drug discovery initiatives. The role blends in-lab experimentation with remote planning, mentoring a team, and cross-functional collaboration to advance candidates toward preclinical development.

The candidate will guide programs, validate targets, and oversee lead optimization while coordinating with biology, DMPK, and toxicology teams. Strong communication and leadership are essential for this senior position.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Biology, or related field.
• 10+ years in drug discovery with preclinical pipeline advancement.
• Strong target validation and hit-to-lead optimization experience.
• Experience leading research projects and teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to contribute in both laboratory and remote work settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of research programs for discovery of novel therapeutics.
• Identify and validate new drug targets through rigorous investigation.
• Oversee lead optimization campaigns to improve potency, selectivity, and PK profiles.
• Collaborate with biology, DMPK, and toxicology teams to assess efficacy and safety.
• Mentor and manage a team of research associates and scientists.
• Present findings and strategic recommendations to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Scientific communication

Project management

Lab proficiency

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD in Pharmacology/Medicinal Chemistry/Biology

Job description

Our client is seeking an accomplished Lead Research Scientist to drive critical projects within their Drug Discovery division. This role, based in Mahikeng , operates on a hybrid model, allowing for a dynamic work environment that balances in-lab experimentation with remote strategic planning and analysis. You will be responsible for conceptualizing and executing innovative research strategies aimed at identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets and drug candidates. This senior position requires a deep understanding of medicinal chemistry, biology, and pharmacology, coupled with strong leadership and project management skills. You will mentor junior scientists and collaborate across diverse teams to advance the pipeline toward clinical development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of research programs for the discovery of novel small molecule or biologic therapeutics.
• Identify and validate new drug targets through rigorous scientific investigation.
• Oversee lead optimization campaigns, guiding medicinal chemistry efforts to improve potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic profiles.
• Collaborate with biology, DMPK, and toxicology teams to assess the efficacy and safety of drug candidates.
• Mentor and manage a team of research associates and scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific excellence.
• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to senior management and R&D committees.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in drug discovery, with a proven track record of advancing compounds through the preclinical pipeline.
• Strong understanding of target validation, hit-to-lead optimization, and preclinical development.
• Experience in managing research projects and leading scientific teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to effectively contribute in both laboratory and remote work settings.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and substantial performance-based bonus potential.
• Comprehensive executive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with generous employer matching.
• Significant paid time off and dedicated budget for professional development.
• Opportunity to lead impactful drug discovery programs and shape the future of medicine.