Principal Medicinal Chemist

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Health, dental, vision insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape, seeks a Principal Medicinal Chemist to lead innovative drug discovery programs. You will identify, synthesize, and optimize novel chemical entities with therapeutic potential, guiding projects from concept to preclinical candidate selection.

This senior role requires building a high-performing team of chemists, collaborating with biology, DMPK and pharmacology, and shaping SAR-driven strategies while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry from a reputable institution.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in medicinal chemistry within pharma/biotech.
• Leadership of drug discovery projects and delivery of clinical candidates.
• Expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and synthesis of novel small molecules for target programs.
• Direct and mentor a team of medicinal and synthetic chemists.
• Collaborate with biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK to define SAR.
• Manage CROs for synthetic chemistry support and ensure timely delivery of candidates.
• Present research findings at internal reviews and external meetings.
• Contribute to IP strategy through patent filings.
• Stay updated on advances in medicinal chemistry and methods.

Skills

Medicinal chemistry

Drug design

Leadership

Project management

Education

PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

Computational chemistry tools

Structure-based design software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized pharmaceutical entity, is actively seeking a distinguished Principal Medicinal Chemist to spearhead innovative drug discovery programs in Cape Town, Western Cape. This senior role is pivotal in identifying, synthesizing, and optimizing novel chemical entities with therapeutic potential. The successful candidate will leverage extensive expertise in organic synthesis and drug design to drive projects from initial concept through to preclinical candidate selection. This position demands a visionary leader who can inspire a team of talented chemists and collaborate effectively with cross-functional disciplines. You will be at the forefront of creating next-generation medicines, contributing to our client's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs across various disease areas. The strategic importance of this role in Cape Town, Western Cape cannot be overstated, as it directly influences the company's future therapeutic offerings and its competitive standing in the pharmaceutical landscape. We are looking for a candidate with a deep understanding of structure-activity relationships and a proven ability to deliver high-quality drug candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and synthesis of novel small molecules for target programs.
• Direct and mentor a team of medicinal and synthetic chemists.
• Develop and implement innovative synthetic routes for complex molecules.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK scientists to define structure-activity relationships (SAR).
• Manage external contract research organizations (CROs) for synthetic chemistry support.
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality chemical candidates for advancement.
• Prepare and present research findings at internal reviews and external scientific meetings.
• Contribute to the intellectual property strategy through patent filings.
• Stay abreast of the latest advances in medicinal chemistry and synthetic methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory standards in the laboratory.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry from a reputable institution.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in medicinal chemistry within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Demonstrated success in leading drug discovery projects and delivering clinical candidates.
• Expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques and instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of ADMET properties, PK/PD, and bioassay development.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
• Experience with computational chemistry tools and structure-based drug design is a plus.
• Track record of publications and patent contributions.
• A proactive and strategic approach to problem-solving in drug discovery.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive remuneration package, including a substantial base salary and performance-based bonuses.
• A comprehensive benefits program covers health, dental, and vision insurance, life assurance, and a generous retirement fund.
• Professional development is encouraged through support for conference attendance, specialized training, and internal advancement opportunities.
• This role offers the chance to work in a state-of-the-art facility in beautiful Cape Town, Western Cape, and to contribute to meaningful scientific advancements.
• We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and mutual respect, aiming to build a team that is both scientifically excellent and personally fulfilled.
• Relocation assistance may be available for highly qualified candidates.