Paarl-Based Senior Neuroscience Scientist – Drug Discovery

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Healthcare coverage

Annual bonus

Paid time off

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Collaborative environment

Cutting-edge facilities

Job summary

Placements24 clients with a leading pharmaceutical company in Paarl, Western Cape seek a Senior Research Scientist in Neuroscience to drive innovative research into neurological diseases and target discovery. You will lead projects, design experiments, and collaborate with chemists, clinicians, and colleagues to advance therapies.

The role requires a PhD in Neuroscience or related field and 7+ years post-doctoral experience, with a strong publication record, independent work style, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Pharmacology, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in academic or industry settings, with a strong focus on neuroscience.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one area of neuroscience, such as neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, synaptic function, or psychiatric disorders.
• Proven experience with relevant experimental techniques, including cell culture, molecular biology assays, immunohistochemistry, and/or in vivo models of neurological disease.
• Strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of statistical principles for data analysis.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a strong publication record.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and experience in mentoring junior scientists.
• Experience with neuroimaging or electrophysiology techniques is a plus.
• Familiarity with drug discovery processes is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead independent research projects focused on understanding the pathophysiology of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, epilepsy, or psychiatric disorders.
• Design, conduct, and interpret in vitro and in vivo experiments to investigate disease mechanisms and evaluate potential therapeutic interventions.
• Develop and validate novel assays and model systems for preclinical research.
• Analyze and interpret complex biological and behavioral data, utilizing appropriate statistical methods.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and other research scientists to advance drug discovery programs.
• Mentor and guide junior research staff, fostering their scientific development and technical skills.
• Prepare comprehensive research reports, scientific manuscripts, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in neuroscience research, therapeutic approaches, and relevant technologies.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the neuroscience research portfolio.
• Ensure compliance with all ethical, regulatory, and safety standards in research conduct.

Job description

Placements24 clients with a leading pharmaceutical company in Paarl, Western Cape seek a Senior Research Scientist in Neuroscience to drive innovative research into neurological diseases and target discovery. You will lead projects, design experiments, and collaborate with chemists, clinicians, and colleagues to advance therapies.

The role requires a PhD in Neuroscience or related field and 7+ years post-doctoral experience, with a strong publication record, independent work style, and