Pharmaceutical Research Scientist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical aid

R&D budget

Conference opportunities

Retirement plan

Wellness program

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg seeks an innovative Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join a cutting-edge drug discovery team. You will design and execute assays, synthesize and characterize novel small molecules, and evaluate pharmacological properties of lead candidates to advance discovery programs.

This role emphasizes collaboration across chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists, with opportunities to publish and present findings at conferences, while contributing to strategic discovery

Qualifications

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years post-doctoral or industry experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery.
• Proven expertise in small molecule synthesis, purification, and structural characterization (NMR, MS, HPLC).
• Hands-on experience with various assay formats, including enzyme kinetics, receptor binding, and cell-based assays.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery processes, target validation, and lead optimization strategies.
• Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills, with a track record of research contributions.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex biochemical and cellular assays to identify and characterize potential drug candidates.
• Perform synthesis and characterization of novel small molecules using advanced organic chemistry techniques.
• Evaluate the pharmacological properties, pharmacokinetic profiles, and preliminary toxicity of lead compounds.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, present findings clearly, and contribute to scientific publications and patent applications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including computational chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists, to advance discovery projects.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in drug discovery relevant to assigned therapeutic areas.

Skills

Small molecule synthesis

Purification & characterization

NMR MS HPLC

Assay development

Drug discovery processes

Scientific writing & presentations

Education

PhD in Medicinal Chemistry / Organic Chemistry / Pharmacology

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking an innovative and experienced Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join their cutting-edge drug discovery team in Rustenburg. This role is central to identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets and developing innovative small molecule drug candidates. You will play a key part in the early-stage pipeline, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to the strategic direction of discovery programs. This is an exciting opportunity for a scientist passionate about medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, looking to make a tangible impact on developing life-changing medicines within a dedicated research facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex biochemical and cellular assays to identify and characterize potential drug candidates.
• Perform synthesis and characterization of novel small molecules using advanced organic chemistry techniques.
• Evaluate the pharmacological properties, pharmacokinetic profiles, and preliminary toxicity of lead compounds.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, present findings clearly, and contribute to scientific publications and patent applications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including computational chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists, to advance discovery projects.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in drug discovery relevant to assigned therapeutic areas.

Requirements

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery.
• Proven expertise in small molecule synthesis, purification, and structural characterization (NMR, MS, HPLC).
• Hands-on experience with various assay formats, including enzyme kinetics, receptor binding, and cell-based assays.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery processes, target validation, and lead optimization strategies.
• Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills, with a track record of research contributions.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical aid, including specialist cover and hospital benefits.
• Generous research and development budget for innovative projects.
• Opportunities for presenting at international scientific conferences.
• Retirement savings plan and wellness programs.