Principal Drug Discovery Scientist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and dental insurance

Stock options

Professional development budget

Cutting-edge facilities in Durban

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Principal Drug Discovery Scientist to drive early-stage programs and shape the pipeline toward clinical trials.

You will lead cross-functional teams across biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, design discovery strategies, oversee in vitro/in vivo studies, and mentor junior scientists in a fast-paced Durban environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related life science.
• 8+ years of progressive drug discovery experience in pharma/biotech.
• Expertise in at least one major therapeutic area (oncology, immunology, neuroscience).
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills.
• Proven publication record and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead discovery projects to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets.
• Develop strategies for small molecule or biologic discovery from target validation to lead optimization.
• Oversee in vitro and in vivo studies to assess target engagement, MOA, and efficacy.
• Collaborate with chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, and toxicologists to advance programs.
• Analyze complex data, interpret results, and make go/no-go decisions.
• Manage external collaborations and CROs to supplement internal capabilities.
• Contribute to IP generation and patent filings.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to scientific growth.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Critical thinking

Scientific leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related life science

Tools

High-throughput screening

Structure-based drug design

Assay development

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering biopharmaceutical company situated in Durban, is actively seeking a highly accomplished Principal Drug Discovery Scientist to drive critical early-stage research and development programs. This senior role is essential for identifying and validating novel drug targets, developing innovative therapeutic strategies, and advancing our client's pipeline towards clinical trials. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in small molecule or biologic drug discovery, a deep understanding of disease biology, and a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams. Working within a dynamic and collaborative environment in Durban, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of medicine. This position requires exceptional scientific acumen, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to scientific rigor and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of discovery projects focused on identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets for various diseases.
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for small molecule or biologic drug discovery, from target validation to lead optimization.
• Oversee in vitro and in vivo studies to assess target engagement, mechanism of action, and efficacy of drug candidates.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, and toxicologists to advance programs through the discovery pipeline.
• Analyze complex experimental data, interpret results, and make critical go/no-go decisions for projects.
• Manage external research collaborations and CROs to supplement internal capabilities.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation and patent filings.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the scientific growth of the R&D department.
• Present research findings to senior management, scientific advisory boards, and at international meetings.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related life science discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in drug discovery within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one major therapeutic area (e.g., oncology, immunology, neuroscience).
• Strong understanding of modern drug discovery techniques, including high-throughput screening, assay development, and structure-based drug design.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional research teams and manage complex projects.
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong publication record and presentation skills.
• Experience with intellectual property strategies and regulatory affairs is a plus.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment in Durban.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Stock options and long-term incentive plans.
• Generous professional development budget and opportunities for career advancement.
• Access to cutting-edge research facilities and technologies in Durban.
• A culture that values scientific excellence, collaboration, and innovation.