Pharmaceutical Research Scientist (Drug Discovery)

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus

Comprehensive health insurance

Relocation assistance available

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion is seeking a PhD-level Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join our cutting-edge drug discovery team. You will design and execute experiments to identify targets and validate compounds in a hands-on lab environment.

The role emphasizes collaboration with medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and biologists to advance projects from target identification to lead optimization, while staying abreast of the latest literature and reporting findings at internal meetings.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related life sciences.
• Minimum of 3 years postdoctoral or industry drug discovery experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in cell-based assays, biochemistry, and animal models.
• Strong understanding of disease pathways and target validation strategies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented research environment in Centurion.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and perform in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate the efficacy and safety of potential drug candidates.
• Utilize molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology techniques to investigate disease mechanisms and drug action.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, publications, and patent applications.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and other scientists to advance drug discovery projects from target identification to lead optimization.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in relevant therapeutic areas and drug discovery methodologies.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of research projects and present findings at internal scientific meetings.

Skills

Cell-based assays

Protein biochemistry

Animal models

Data interpretation

Literature review

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Pharmacology

PhD in Biochemistry

PhD in Molecular Biology

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly innovative and experienced Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join their cutting-edge drug discovery team in Centurion . This critical role involves designing and executing experiments to identify and validate novel drug targets and therapeutic compounds. You will contribute to the early stages of pharmaceutical development, working within a collaborative environment that fosters scientific excellence and pushes the boundaries of medical research. This position is based on-site, providing hands-on experience in a laboratory setting vital for groundbreaking discoveries.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and perform in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate the efficacy and safety of potential drug candidates.
• Utilize a range of molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology techniques to investigate disease mechanisms and drug action.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, publications, and patent applications.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and other scientists to advance drug discovery projects from target identification to lead optimization.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in relevant therapeutic areas and drug discovery methodologies.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of research projects and present findings at internal scientific meetings.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of postdoctoral or industry research experience in drug discovery.
• Demonstrated expertise in relevant experimental techniques (e.g., cell-based assays, protein biochemistry, animal models).
• Strong understanding of disease pathways and target validation strategies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in scientific literature review and data interpretation.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented research environment in Centurion .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and attractive bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous opportunities for professional growth, conference attendance, and publication.
• State-of-the-art research facilities and cutting-edge equipment.
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
• A dynamic and stimulating research environment focused on innovation.