Principal Drug Discovery Chemist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, South Africa, seeks a Principal Drug Discovery Chemist to lead design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules within a globally recognized pharmaceutical innovator. The role emphasizes mentoring, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and strategic program direction in a fully remote setting.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry, 8+ years in drug discovery, and demonstrable success progressing compounds through pipelines

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry is required.
• Minimum of 8 years in pharma/biotech drug discovery with medicinal chemistry focus.
• Track record designing and synthesizing novel compounds progressing in pipelines.
• Strong knowledge of modern synthetic organic chemistry and reaction mechanisms.
• Experience with molecular modeling and SAR analysis using computational tools.
• Solid understanding of DMPK, toxicology, and pharmacology relevant to drug discovery.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and synthesis of novel small molecule drug candidates for specific disease pathways.
• Develop synthetic routes for complex organic molecules with efficiency and scalability.
• Conduct SAR studies to optimize potency, selectivity, and PK properties.
• Collaborate with biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK scientists to guide medicinal chemistry efforts.
• Analyze and interpret chemical and biological data to decide on progression of compounds.
• Stay current with trends in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
• Mentor junior chemists and contribute to strategic direction of programs.
• Prepare reports, publications, and presentations for internal and external audiences.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

Computational chemistry tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized pharmaceutical innovator based in Durban, is seeking an accomplished Principal Drug Discovery Chemist. This senior role is instrumental in shaping the future of our client's therapeutic pipeline. You will be at the forefront of designing, synthesizing, and optimizing novel small molecules with the potential to become life-saving medicines. This position requires a visionary chemist with a proven track record in medicinal chemistry and a deep understanding of drug discovery principles from hit identification to lead optimization. Operating from our client's cutting-edge research facilities in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists to identify and advance promising drug candidates. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead critical discovery projects and contribute significantly to advancements in healthcare. This role is fully remote, offering flexibility while maintaining high research standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and synthesis of novel small molecule drug candidates targeting specific disease pathways.
• Develop and execute synthetic routes for complex organic molecules, ensuring efficiency and scalability.
• Conduct structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to optimize compound potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK scientists to guide medicinal chemistry efforts.
• Analyze and interpret complex chemical and biological data to make informed decisions on compound progression.
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
• Mentor junior chemists and contribute to the strategic direction of the drug discovery programs.
• Prepare scientific reports, publications, and presentations for internal and external audiences.

Requirements

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology drug discovery, with a strong emphasis on medicinal chemistry.
• Demonstrated success in designing and synthesizing novel compounds that have progressed through the drug discovery pipeline.
• Expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques and a thorough understanding of reaction mechanisms.
• Proficiency in using computational chemistry tools for molecular modeling and SAR analysis.
• Strong knowledge of DMPK, toxicology, and pharmacology principles relevant to drug discovery.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly attractive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a generous bonus structure, and stock options. We provide a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. Enjoy the flexibility of a remote role while contributing to groundbreaking drug discovery in Durban.