Principal Research Scientist - Pharmaceutical Development

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 2,000,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Education and conference support

Generous vacation and leave policies

Access to cutting-edge facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Research Scientist to lead drug discovery initiatives within the Pharmaceutical Development department in Centurion. You will provide scientific leadership, strategic direction, and hands-on expertise from early-stage research through pre-clinical development.

The role requires overseeing in vitro/in vivo studies, assay development, and cross-functional collaboration with chemists and formulation scientists, while mentoring junior staff to advance the pipeline.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biochemistry, or related life science.
• Minimum 7 years in pharmaceutical R&D with small molecule or biologic discovery.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage external collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership and define research objectives and strategies.
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments for efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology.
• Develop and validate novel assays and screening platforms for drug candidates.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and formulation scientists to optimize lead compounds.
• Analyze data and provide recommendations for project progression or termination.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and research associates.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Mentorship

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology/Toxicology/Biochemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a distinguished Principal Research Scientist to lead critical initiatives within their Pharmaceutical Development department in Centurion . This senior role is central to the discovery and progression of new drug candidates from early-stage research through to pre-clinical development. You will provide scientific leadership, strategic direction, and hands-on expertise in experimental design and execution. The ideal candidate has a proven history of innovation in drug discovery, a deep understanding of therapeutic areas, and the ability to mentor a team of scientists, contributing significantly to the company's pipeline advancement within a state-of-the-art research facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and technical leadership for drug discovery and development projects, defining key research objectives and strategies.
• Design and execute complex in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess drug efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology.
• Develop and validate novel assays and screening platforms to identify and characterize potential drug candidates.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and formulation scientists to optimize lead compounds.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, providing clear recommendations for project progression or termination.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and research associates, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and productivity.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biochemistry, or a related life science discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical research and development, with a focus on small molecule or biologic drug discovery.
• Expertise in designing and implementing preclinical drug efficacy and safety studies.
• Strong knowledge of various therapeutic areas, such as oncology, immunology, or infectious diseases.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional project teams and manage external collaborations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a strong record of scientific publications and presentations.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure, reflecting the seniority of the role.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Support for continuing education, professional development, and conference attendance.
• Generous vacation and leave policies.
• Access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and technologies in Centurion .