Lead Research Scientist - Pharmacology

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Professional development & conferences

Collaborative research environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dynamic Lead Research Scientist in Pharmacology to spearhead drug development programs at their Rustenburg facility. The role involves designing preclinical studies, overseeing research teams, and contributing to regulatory submissions to advance novel therapeutics.

The successful candidate will possess a PhD in Pharmacology/Toxicology with at least six years in drug discovery, strong leadership, and a track record of high-impact publications.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or related life science.
• Minimum of 6 years of drug discovery and development experience with pharmacology focus.
• Experience with in vivo and in vitro pharmacology models.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage comprehensive preclinical pharmacology studies to evaluate drug efficacy and safety.
• Develop and validate bioassays and pharmacodynamic models.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, revealing insights into drug action.
• Lead and mentor a team of scientists and research associates.
• Collaborate with discovery chemistry, DMPK, and toxicology to advance candidates.
• Prepare study reports and contribute to regulatory filings and presentations.

Skills

Pharmacology expertise

Leadership

Project management

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology or Toxicology

Tools

Bioassay development

Pharmacokinetic basics

In vivo models

In vitro models

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic Lead Research Scientist with extensive experience in Pharmacology to spearhead critical drug development programs at their facility in Rustenburg . This senior role will involve designing and overseeing preclinical studies, characterizing drug candidates, and contributing to regulatory submissions. You will lead a talented team of pharmacologists and technicians, ensuring the rigorous scientific execution of projects from target validation through to early clinical development. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of drug action, disease mechanisms, and regulatory requirements, playing a key role in advancing novel therapeutics to meet unmet medical needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and manage comprehensive preclinical pharmacology studies to evaluate drug efficacy and safety.
• Develop and validate bioassays and pharmacodynamic models relevant to disease areas of interest.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, providing key insights into drug mechanisms of action.
• Lead and mentor a team of scientists and research associates, fostering a high-performance research environment.
• Collaborate closely with discovery chemistry, DMPK, and toxicology departments to advance drug candidates.
• Prepare study reports, contribute to regulatory filings (e.g., INDs), and present findings to internal stakeholders and external partners.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in drug discovery and development, with a focus on pharmacology.
• Proven expertise in various in vivo and in vitro pharmacology models .
• Strong understanding of drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics (DMPK), and toxicology principles.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to manage and motivate a research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong publication record.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive bonus package.
• Extensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending scientific conferences.
• A collaborative and innovative research environment dedicated to improving patient outcomes.