Principal Chemist - Pharmaceutical Synthesis

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Ibrido; ZAR 1.500.000 - 2.100.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Health coverage

Retirement fund options

Generous vacation time

Professional development opportunities

Conferences access

Advanced training

Descrizione del lavoro

Placements24 seeks a Principal Chemist based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, to lead complex synthetic route design for novel drug candidates. You will optimize scalable processes and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive drug discovery.

The role demands a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry and 8+ years in synthetic organic chemistry, with strong leadership and publication-focused mindset. Expect a challenging, collaborative research environment with advanced lab facilities.

Competenze

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or closely related field is required.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Expertise in modern synthetic methodologies and retrosynthetic analysis.
• Proven experience in process development and scale-up.
• Proficient spectroscopic and chromatographic characterization techniques.

Mansioni

• Lead design and execution of multi-step synthetic routes for complex molecules.
• Develop scalable, cost-effective synthetic processes for pharma development.
• Perform literature searches and feasibility studies on new methods.
• Use NMR, MS, HPLC, GC for characterization and purity assessment.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists and pharmacologists to advance programs.
• Troubleshoot challenges and propose innovative solutions.
• Mentor junior chemists and foster scientific excellence.
• Contribute to patents, filings, and publications.

Conoscenze

Organic Chemistry

Stereochemistry

Medicinal Chemistry

Process Development

Scale-up

Retrosynthetic Analysis

Leadership

Formazione

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Strumenti

NMR

MS

HPLC

GC

Descrizione del lavoro

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the pharmaceutical research and development sector, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Chemist with expertise in pharmaceutical synthesis. This vital role is based in the renowned academic and research hub of Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will lead the design and execution of complex synthetic routes for novel drug candidates, contributing directly to the discovery and development of life-saving therapeutics. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of organic chemistry, stereochemistry, and medicinal chemistry, coupled with a strong track record in process development and optimization. This is an exceptional opportunity to drive innovation in drug discovery within a stimulating and collaborative research environment. We are looking for a leader with a vision for the future of pharmaceutical chemistry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of multi-step synthetic routes for complex organic molecules, including potential drug candidates.
• Develop and optimize robust, scalable, and cost-effective synthetic processes suitable for pharmaceutical development.
• Conduct thorough literature searches and feasibility studies for new synthetic methodologies.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques (e.g., NMR, MS, HPLC, GC) for characterization and purity assessment of synthesized compounds.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to advance drug discovery programs.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and provide innovative solutions to overcome them.
• Mentor and guide junior chemists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and continuous learning.
• Contribute to patent applications, regulatory filings, and scientific publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in synthetic organic chemistry, with a significant focus on pharmaceutical or medicinal chemistry.
• Demonstrated expertise in modern synthetic methodologies, reaction mechanisms, and retrosynthetic analysis.
• Proven experience in process development and scale-up of complex organic syntheses.
• Strong proficiency in spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques for compound characterization.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a creative approach to chemical challenges.
• Strong leadership and team collaboration skills, with the ability to mentor effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with asymmetric synthesis and catalysis is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure, reflecting the seniority and expertise required for this role. The comprehensive benefits package includes excellent health coverage, retirement fund options, and generous vacation time. Professional development opportunities, including access to conferences and advanced training, are readily available. This role is based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, a vibrant center for research and innovation. We provide a stimulating work environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, encouraging groundbreaking work in pharmaceutical synthesis.