Principal Investigator, Drug Discovery

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Executive health screening

Professional development opportunities

Remote work policy

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion, Gauteng seeks a Principal Investigator to lead a pioneering drug discovery program in an advanced R&D facility. You will set strategic direction, drive the discovery pipeline, mentor scientists, and foster collaborations with internal and external partners.

The role requires a Ph.D. with 10+ years in pharma/biotech, a track record of advancing candidates to preclinical stages, and strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or closely related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry with focus on drug discovery.
• Proven success in leading drug discovery projects into preclinical development.
• Deep understanding of target validation, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization.
• Expertise in assay development, HTS, and mechanistic pharmacology.
• Proven ability to manage teams, projects, and budgets.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong publication record in high-impact journals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of scientists focused on early-stage drug discovery.
• Define and execute the strategic vision for drug discovery programs from target identification to lead optimization.
• Oversee design and execution of in vitro and in vivo studies to assess efficacy, safety, and PK properties.
• Develop and implement cutting-edge assays and screening platforms.
• Mentor and develop team members, promoting scientific rigor.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences and publish findings.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and ethical standards in Centurion R&D.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Team management

Communication

Publication track record

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field

Tools

Assay development

High-throughput screening (HTS)

Lead optimization

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an exceptional Principal Investigator to lead a pioneering drug discovery program within their advanced R&D facility in Centurion, Gauteng. This senior leadership role requires a visionary scientist with a proven track record in identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets and advancing small molecule or biologic drug candidates through the preclinical stages. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the research group, fostering a culture of innovation, and driving the discovery pipeline forward. This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a significant impact on human health by shaping the future of medicine. The Centurion location offers a vibrant scientific community and excellent connectivity. Our client is dedicated to scientific excellence and provides the resources necessary for groundbreaking discoveries.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of scientists and researchers focused on early-stage drug discovery.
• Define and execute the strategic vision for drug discovery programs, from target identification to lead optimization.
• Oversee the design and execution of in vitro and in vivo studies to assess compound efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic properties.
• Develop and implement cutting-edge assays and screening platforms relevant to various disease areas.
• Critically evaluate scientific data, identify key challenges, and propose innovative solutions.
• Secure and manage research budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Foster strong collaborations with internal departments (e.g., chemistry, DMPK, toxicology) and external academic partners.
• Mentor and develop team members, promoting scientific rigor and career growth.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences and contribute to the publication of research findings.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory guidelines and ethical standards within the Centurion R&D hub.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a closely related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a significant focus on drug discovery.
• Demonstrated success in leading drug discovery projects and bringing candidates into preclinical development.
• Deep understanding of target validation, hit-to-lead, and lead optimization processes.
• Expertise in assay development, high-throughput screening (HTS), and mechanistic pharmacology.
• Proven ability to manage teams, projects, and budgets effectively.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong publication record in high-impact scientific journals.
• Experience with diverse therapeutic areas is a plus.
• Familiarity with the scientific landscape in Centurion and surrounding Gauteng is beneficial.
• A strong network within the pharmaceutical research community.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a significant base salary, performance-based bonuses, and long-term equity incentives.
• Our client provides a comprehensive suite of benefits, including top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and executive health screening.
• The Yes remote work policy allows for maximum flexibility, enabling seamless integration of professional and personal commitments.
• Employees have access to world-class research infrastructure and opportunities for significant scientific impact.
• Continuous professional development is encouraged through attendance at major international conferences and leadership training programs.
• The company culture champions innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.