Lead Synthetic Organic Chemist

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan with employer match

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance

Generous leave and holidays

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Synthetic Organic Chemist for its Benoni-based pharmaceutical research site. You will design and execute multi-step synthesis routes for drug candidates, lead a team of chemists, and drive project timelines with a focus on quality and scalability. The role demands a Ph.D.

in synthetic organic chemistry, 8+ years in the field, and proven leadership. You will collaborate with cross-functional colleagues to advance the drug discovery pipeline in a

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years in synthetic organic chemistry, pharma sector preferred.
• Proven leadership of a research team.
• Expertise in modern synthetic methods, including asymmetric synthesis and catalysis.
• Strong communication and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of complex synthetic routes for novel small molecules.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of synthetic organic chemists.
• Optimize reaction conditions for yields, purity, and scalability.
• Develop and implement new synthetic methodologies and technologies.
• Oversee purification and characterization using NMR, MS, and HPLC.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, and DMPK to advance programs.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and devise robust solutions.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and external collaborations.
• Ensure GLP compliance in activities.
• Contribute to research reports and publications.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Problem solving

Communication

Project management

Education

Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

HPLC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected pharmaceutical research company located in **Benoni, Gauteng, ZA**, is seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Synthetic Organic Chemist. This pivotal role involves designing and executing complex multi-step synthesis routes for novel drug candidates and intermediates. You will lead a team of talented chemists, provide strategic direction for synthetic projects, and ensure the efficient and timely delivery of high-quality chemical entities. The ideal candidate will have a deep expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry, a strong track record of problem-solving in challenging synthetic pathways, and proven leadership capabilities. This position is critical for advancing our drug discovery pipeline and offers a stimulating environment for scientific exploration and career advancement within our **Benoni**-based research facility. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of medicinal chemistry and require a leader who can inspire innovation and guide successful project outcomes. The **Benoni** site boasts modern synthesis labs and analytical equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of complex synthetic routes for novel small molecules.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of synthetic organic chemists.
• Optimize reaction conditions to improve yields, purity, and scalability.
• Develop and implement new synthetic methodologies and technologies.
• Oversee purification and characterization of synthesized compounds using techniques such as NMR, MS, and HPLC.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and DMPK scientists to advance drug discovery programs.
• Troubleshoot challenging synthetic problems and devise innovative solutions.
• Manage project timelines, resource allocation, and external collaborations.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety standards and good laboratory practices (GLP).
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, patent applications, and scientific publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry, with a significant portion in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven experience in leading and managing a team of research scientists.
• Extensive knowledge of modern synthetic organic reactions and strategies, including asymmetric synthesis and catalysis.
• Proficiency in spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques for compound characterization.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex synthetic challenges and develop robust synthetic routes.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific data effectively.
• Experience with process development and scale-up is a plus.
• Familiarity with medicinal chemistry principles and drug discovery processes.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package and performance-based incentives. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage is provided. A strong retirement savings plan with employer matching is available. Opportunities for continuous professional development, including access to conferences, training, and further education. Generous annual leave, sick leave, and company holidays. Relocation assistance for eligible candidates relocating to **Benoni, Gauteng, ZA**. Access to state-of-the-art synthesis laboratories and a collaborative research environment. We foster a culture that values scientific excellence, teamwork, and employee well-being in **Benoni**.