Pharmaceutical Research Scientist - Drug Discovery

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement savings plans

Continued learning opportunities

Relocation assistance

Supportive company culture

Job summary

Placements24 in George is seeking a Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join its drug discovery unit. You will design and execute experiments to advance preclinical programs, validate targets, and contribute to lead compound development, driving innovative therapeutic strategies.

Applicants should have a PhD in a life sciences field and 3–5 years of post‑doctoral or industry experience, with strong communication skills and a track record of publication or presentations.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 3–5 years post‑doc or industry experience in drug discovery.
• Experience designing and conducting complex biological assays relevant to oncology, immunology, or infectious diseases.
• Strong understanding of target validation, hit-to-lead, and preclinical development.
• Hands-on experience with cell-based assays, primary cell culture, flow cytometry, Western blotting, ELISA, and screening platforms.
• Excellent communication and ability to publish or present findings.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and execute in vitro and ex vivo assays to evaluate drug efficacy and safety.
• Identify and validate novel drug targets using molecular biology and biochemical techniques.
• Contribute to lead generation and characterization with medicinal chemistry teams.
• Analyze complex data and make recommendations for project progression.
• Develop new scientific methodologies to enhance research capabilities.
• Collaborate with discovery biology, preclinical development, and clinical research teams.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and publications to communicate findings.
• Stay updated with latest literature and tech advancements.
• Maintain meticulous lab records and comply with safety/regulatory guidelines.
• Contribute to strategic planning and direction of drug discovery projects.

Skills

Analytical

Problem-solving

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology / Molecular Biology / Cell Biology / Biochemistry

Tools

Flow cytometry

Western blotting

ELISA

Screening platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in pharmaceutical research and development, is looking for an exceptional Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join their dedicated drug discovery unit in George . This critical role involves contributing to the identification and validation of novel therapeutic targets and the development of innovative drug candidates. You will be instrumental in designing and executing cutting-edge experiments to advance preclinical drug discovery programs. The successful candidate will possess a strong scientific background, a passion for innovation, and a proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment. This position offers the chance to work at the forefront of medical science, translating complex biological insights into potential treatments for unmet medical needs. We are committed to fostering a research-intensive culture that encourages scientific curiosity and rewards impactful discoveries. Your work will directly influence the pipeline of future medicines, contributing to our mission of improving patient lives globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and execute in vitro and ex vivo experimental assays to investigate drug efficacy, mechanism of action, and safety profiles.
• Identify and validate novel drug targets using a variety of molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemical techniques.
• Contribute to the generation and characterization of lead compounds, working closely with medicinal chemistry and pharmacology teams.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, drawing sound conclusions and making data-driven recommendations for project progression.
• Develop and implement new scientific methodologies and technologies to enhance research capabilities.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including discovery biology, preclinical development, and clinical research.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, presentations, and publications to communicate research findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in relevant therapeutic areas.
• Maintain meticulous laboratory records and ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and direction of drug discovery projects.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of post-doctoral or industry research experience in drug discovery.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and conducting complex biological assays relevant to therapeutic areas such as oncology, immunology, or infectious diseases.
• Strong understanding of target validation, hit-to-lead optimization, and preclinical development principles.
• Hands-on experience with techniques such as cell-based assays, primary cell culture, flow cytometry, Western blotting, ELISA, and various screening platforms.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage projects, and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with a track record of scientific presentations or publications.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and large-scale data analysis is a plus.
• Adaptability and enthusiasm for working in a rapidly evolving scientific landscape.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience, along with generous performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings plans, and paid vacation are standard.
• Employees have access to continuous learning opportunities, including conference attendance and specialized workshops, designed to foster career growth.
• The working environment in George is intellectually stimulating, collaborative, and focused on innovation.
• Opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking research and make a real difference in patient care are paramount.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for exceptional candidates.
• We value work-life balance and offer supportive company culture.