Principal Medicinal Chemist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Health benefits

Annual bonus

Stock options

Professional development

Pension plan

Relocation assistance

Cutting-edge facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Medicinal Chemist in Polokwane, South Africa, to lead the design and synthesis of novel small molecule therapeutics in a hybrid work model.

The role combines intensive laboratory work with strategic planning, collaborating with global teams, mentoring scientists, and advancing pipeline objectives. A PhD with a strong discovery track record is required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry.
• 10+ years in medicinal chemistry with track record of leading discovery projects.
• Expertise in SAR, SPR, and preclinical concepts (DMPK).

Responsibilities

• Lead design, synthesis and optimization of novel drug candidates.
• Develop innovative synthetic routes for complex molecules.
• Collaborate with biology, pharmacology, and DMPK teams to define SAR/SPR.
• Utilize computational chemistry tools to guide compound design.
• Mentor junior chemists and foster scientific excellence.
• Oversee analytical data (NMR, MS, HPLC) and present findings to teams.
• Contribute to IP development through patent filings.

Skills

Leadership

Drug discovery

SAR/SPR expertise

Computational chemistry

Analytical interpretation

Education

Ph.D. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

Schrodinger

MOE

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally renowned biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of drug discovery, is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Principal Medicinal Chemist. This hybrid role, based in Polokwane, Limpopo, is instrumental in leading the design and synthesis of novel small molecule therapeutics. You will spearhead challenging projects, applying cutting-edge chemical strategies to create drug candidates with optimal efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic profiles. The position requires a blend of intensive laboratory work and strategic planning, leveraging remote collaboration tools for seamless integration with global research teams. As a leader in medicinal chemistry, you will significantly influence our client's pipeline and contribute to advancing transformative medicines from Polokwane.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel drug candidates using advanced medicinal chemistry principles.
• Develop innovative synthetic routes and strategies for complex molecules.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK scientists to define structure-activity relationships (SAR) and structure-property relationships (SPR).
• Utilize computational chemistry tools and techniques to guide compound design.
• Manage and mentor junior chemists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.
• Oversee and interpret a wide range of analytical data (NMR, MS, HPLC) to characterize synthesized compounds.
• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to project teams and senior management.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property through patent filings.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery technologies.
• Ensure compliance with all laboratory safety regulations and best practices.
• Manage external synthesis collaborations and vendor relationships.
• Proactively identify and pursue new opportunities for drug discovery.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in medicinal chemistry within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a proven track record of leading discovery projects.
• Demonstrated success in bringing drug candidates from hit-to-lead and lead optimization stages.
• Expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, reaction optimization, and purification techniques.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery principles, including SAR, SPR, DMPK, and preclinical development.
• Proficiency in using computational chemistry software (e.g., Schrodinger, MOE) is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical skills with experience in interpreting spectroscopic and chromatographic data.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and matrixed research environment.
• Strong publication record and/or patent portfolio.
• Familiarity with biologics and protein-based therapeutics is a plus.

Benefits

• An industry-leading annual salary package up to R .
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Significant annual bonus potential.
• Stock options and long-term incentive plans.
• Generous professional development budget and conference attendance.
• Pension plan with substantial employer contributions.
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates moving to Polokwane.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and cutting-edge technologies.