Lead Synthetic Organic Chemist - Drug Discovery Leader

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Relocation assistance

Competitive salary

Retirement savings plan

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Synthetic Organic Chemist for its client in Vereeniging, Gauteng. You will spearhead design and execution of multi‑step syntheses for novel drug candidates, while mentoring a team of chemists and ensuring compliant, efficient laboratory operations.

The role requires a PhD in Organic Chemistry with 6+ years in synthetic chemistry, including asymmetric synthesis, catalysis, and flow chemistry. Collaboration across disciplines and contribution to publications are expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or closely related field.
• 6+ years post‑doctoral or industrial experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Expertise in designing and executing multi‑step syntheses of complex molecules.
• Proficiency with asymmetric synthesis, catalysis, and flow chemistry.
• Experience with spectroscopy and chromatographic analysis; strong leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of synthetic routes for novel drug candidates.
• Develop and optimize synthetic methodologies to improve yield and purity.
• Oversee synthesis of target compounds, intermediates, and standards.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists and biologists to advance programs.
• Analyze reaction progress using NMR, MS, HPLC; troubleshoot challenges.
• Mentor junior chemists and manage laboratory resources.
• Prepare reports and contribute to patents and publications.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Project management

Medicinal chemistry

Analytical chemistry

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

HPLC

GC

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Lead Synthetic Organic Chemist for its client in Vereeniging, Gauteng. You will spearhead design and execution of multi‑step syntheses for novel drug candidates, while mentoring a team of chemists and ensuring compliant, efficient laboratory operations.

The role requires a PhD in Organic Chemistry with 6+ years in synthetic chemistry, including asymmetric synthesis, catalysis, and flow chemistry. Collaboration across disciplines and contribution to publications are expected.