Principal Pharmacologist

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Conference attendance

Cutting-edge facilities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Pharmacologist in East London, SA, to lead preclinical pharmacology studies and shape drug discovery programs. The role combines hands-on in vivo/in vitro work with strategic oversight across discovery teams.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in preclinical pharmacology, regulatory awareness, and a strong publication record, with hybrid work options and eligibility to work in East London.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or a closely related biomedical field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive preclinical pharmacology experience.
• Proven ability to design and interpret in vivo and in vitro efficacy models.
• Strong knowledge of DMPK and pharmacokinetics principles.
• Experience with assay development and data interpretation.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management experience.
• Excellent written/oral communication and publication record.
• Familiarity with regulatory guidelines (FDA/EMA).
• Hybrid work readiness and eligibility to work in East London, SA.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret in vivo and in vitro pharmacology studies to assess efficacy and mechanism of action of drug candidates.
• Develop and validate novel pharmacological models relevant to therapeutic areas of interest.
• Collaborate with discovery teams to advance drug candidates through the pipeline.
• Provide expert pharmacological input for regulatory submissions (e.g., IND applications).
• Mentor and guide junior pharmacologists and research associates.
• Author high‑quality study reports, research manuscripts, and regulatory documents.
• Present research findings at internal governance meetings and external scientific conferences.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and advancements in pharmacology and relevant therapeutic areas.
• Manage external collaborations with CROs and academic institutions.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the company's drug discovery portfolio.

Skills

Preclinical pharmacology

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology or Toxicology

Tools

Assay development tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading biopharmaceutical company with a strong research focus, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Pharmacologist to join their esteemed team in East London , Eastern Cape. This senior role is instrumental in driving preclinical drug discovery and development programs by providing expert pharmacological insights and leading complex studies. You will be responsible for designing, executing, and interpreting in vivo and in vitro pharmacology studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of novel therapeutic candidates. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of disease mechanisms, drug action, and regulatory requirements, coupled with strong leadership and communication skills. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of groundbreaking medicines within a collaborative and state‑of‑the‑art research environment in South Africa . The hybrid work model supports both focused lab work and strategic planning from home.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret in vivo and in vitro pharmacology studies to assess the efficacy and mechanism of action of drug candidates.
• Develop and validate novel pharmacological models relevant to therapeutic areas of interest.
• Collaborate with discovery teams (chemistry, biology, DMPK) to advance drug candidates through the pipeline.
• Provide expert pharmacological input for regulatory submissions (e.g., IND applications).
• Mentor and guide junior pharmacologists and research associates.
• Author high‑quality study reports, research manuscripts, and regulatory documents.
• Present research findings at internal governance meetings and external scientific conferences.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and advancements in pharmacology and relevant therapeutic areas.
• Manage external collaborations with CROs and academic institutions.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the company's drug discovery portfolio.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or a closely related biomedical science field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in preclinical pharmacology within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proven expertise in designing and executing complex in vivo efficacy models and understanding of various therapeutic areas.
• Strong knowledge of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) principles.
• Experience with assay development and interpretation of in vitro pharmacology data.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience managing research projects and personnel.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a strong publication record.
• Familiarity with regulatory guidelines for preclinical drug development (e.g., FDA, EMA).
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing lab‑based work with remote responsibilities.
• Must be eligible to work in East London , South Africa .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package reflective of experience and leadership.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and conference participation.
• Access to cutting‑edge laboratory facilities and resources.
• A dynamic, collaborative, and scientifically stimulating work environment.
• Performance‑based bonuses and recognition programs.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.