Principal Research Scientist - Synthetic Chemistry

Placements24; Sandton; Vor Ort; ZAR 1.500.000 - 2.500.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Retirement savings plan

Relocation assistance

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, seeks a Principal Research Scientist in Synthetic Chemistry to drive small-molecule drug discovery. The role leads multi-step syntheses, designs innovative routes, and mentors junior chemists, collaborating with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to advance lead optimization and SAR studies.

The ideal candidate has a PhD in Organic Chemistry with 7–9 years in synthetic chemistry, a strong publication record, and a passion for solving complex

Qualifikationen

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or closely related field.
• 7–9 years post-PhD in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Experience in pharmaceutical industry preferred.
• Strong publication record.

Aufgaben

• Design and execute multi-step synthetic routes for novel small molecules targeting various disease areas.
• Lead complex synthetic chemistry projects, troubleshoot challenging syntheses, and develop innovative chemical strategies.
• Synthesize and characterize compound libraries for high-throughput screening and lead optimization.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to SAR studies and iteratively improve potency, selectivity, and PK properties.
• Develop and implement new synthetic methodologies and catalytic processes.
• Work closely with analytical chemists to ensure purity and identity of synthesized compounds.
• Mentor and guide junior synthetic chemists and postdoctoral fellows.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and international conferences.
• Contribute to patent filings and scientific publications.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and best practices.

Kenntnisse

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Mentoring

Ausbildung

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

IR

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client is a world-renowned pharmaceutical research company dedicated to discovering and developing life-saving medicines. We are seeking an exceptional Principal Research Scientist with expertise in Synthetic Chemistry to join our drug discovery team in **Sandton, Gauteng**. This senior role will be instrumental in designing and synthesizing novel small molecules with therapeutic potential, driving key projects from early-stage hit identification through lead optimization. You will lead complex synthetic challenges, develop innovative methodologies, and collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists. The ideal candidate will possess a profound knowledge of organic synthesis, a strong publication record, and a passion for tackling challenging scientific problems in a dynamic research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute multi-step synthetic routes for novel small molecules targeting various disease areas.
• Lead complex synthetic chemistry projects, troubleshoot challenging syntheses, and develop innovative chemical strategies.
• Synthesize and characterize compound libraries for high-throughput screening and lead optimization.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies and iteratively improve compound potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties.
• Develop and implement new synthetic methodologies and catalytic processes.
• Work closely with analytical chemists to ensure the purity and identity of synthesized compounds.
• Mentor and guide junior synthetic chemists and postdoctoral fellows.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and international scientific conferences.
• Contribute to patent filings and scientific publications.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety protocols and best practices.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 7-9 years of post-doctoral and/or industrial research experience in synthetic organic chemistry, preferably within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Extensive expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry, including asymmetric synthesis, organometallic chemistry, and heterocyclic chemistry.
• Proven track record of successfully synthesizing complex molecules and managing challenging synthetic projects.
• Proficiency in spectroscopic techniques (NMR, MS, IR) for compound characterization.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery processes and medicinal chemistry principles.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively and innovatively.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Must have legal authorization to work in **Sandton, Gauteng, ZA**.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and substantial bonus potential.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and retirement savings plan.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Access to cutting-edge research facilities and advanced synthetic instrumentation.
• Stimulating and collaborative work environment focused on scientific excellence.
• Relocation assistance for highly qualified candidates.