Principal Research Scientist - Organic Chemistry

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion, Gauteng, seeks a Principal Research Scientist in Organic Chemistry to lead advanced synthetic projects and drive next-generation materials and therapeutics.

You will design multi-step routes, mentor junior chemists, and ensure GLP compliance in a collaborative R&D environment, contributing to patents and publications.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Expertise across asymmetric synthesis, organometallic chemistry and heterocycle synthesis.
• Proficiency in spectroscopic techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC, GC) for characterization.
• Ability to design complex synthetic sequences independently and mentor others.
• Excellent written and oral communication with publications or patents.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and synthesis of complex organic molecules using modern techniques.
• Develop and optimize multi-step synthetic routes for targets.
• Conduct literature reviews to identify novel strategies and assess feasibility.
• Characterize compounds using NMR, MS, IR, and HPLC.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and devise innovative solutions.
• Collaborate with analytical, process, and formulation teams.
• Prepare research reports, patent applications, and publications.
• Mentor junior chemists and foster scientific development.
• Ensure GLP compliance and safety in Centurion, Gauteng.

Skills

Organic chemistry expertise

Asymmetric synthesis

Organometallic chemistry

Heterocycle synthesis

Mentoring

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

HPLC

GC

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Research Scientist with expertise in Organic Chemistry to join their state-of-the-art research facility in Centurion, Gauteng. This critical role will involve leading and executing advanced synthetic chemistry projects aimed at discovering and developing novel compounds. As a Principal Scientist, you will be at the forefront of innovation, contributing significantly to the company's pipeline and scientific reputation. You will work within a highly collaborative R&D environment, engaging with cross-functional teams to translate complex chemical challenges into tangible solutions. The ideal candidate possesses a deep theoretical understanding combined with extensive practical experience in modern synthetic methodologies. This position is essential for driving our client's strategic goals in developing next-generation materials and therapeutics.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and synthesis of complex organic molecules using modern synthetic techniques.
• Develop and optimize multi-step synthetic routes for target compounds.
• Conduct thorough literature reviews to identify novel synthetic strategies and assess feasibility.
• Perform rigorous characterization of synthesized compounds using techniques such as NMR, MS, IR, and HPLC.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and devise innovative solutions.
• Collaborate with analytical chemists, process chemists, and formulation scientists.
• Prepare detailed research reports, patent applications, and scientific publications.
• Mentor and guide junior chemists, fostering their scientific and technical development.
• Ensure strict adherence to laboratory safety protocols and good laboratory practices (GLP) within the Centurion, Gauteng facility.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry, preferably within an industrial R&D setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in a wide range of organic reactions, including asymmetric synthesis, organometallic chemistry, and heterocycle synthesis.
• Proficiency in spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques for compound characterization (NMR, MS, HPLC, GC).
• Proven ability to design and execute complex synthetic sequences independently.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a creative approach to synthetic challenges.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a track record of scientific publications or patents.
• Experience in mentoring junior scientists is essential.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa
• and reside in or be willing to relocate to the Centurion, Gauteng area.

Benefits

• Our client offers an industry-leading compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as premium health insurance, a robust retirement fund, and generous annual leave. Continuous professional development is encouraged through workshops, conferences, and advanced training opportunities. The company promotes a culture of innovation and scientific excellence, providing access to cutting-edge instrumentation and resources.