Principal Scientist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 2,400,000 - 3,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary premium with bonus potential

Comprehensive health benefits

Leadership development opportunities

Access to cutting-edge research infra

Relocation assistance

Collaborative culture and team science

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Principal Scientist to lead drug discovery initiatives, guiding research strategies and managing project teams to advance candidates from discovery through preclinical development.

This senior role requires a PhD and 10+ years in drug discovery, proven leadership, PK/PD and toxicology expertise, and a track record of collaboration with academia and CROs to deliver innovative therapies.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related life science discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in drug discovery.
• Proven track record leading research teams and managing complex projects.
• Expertise in preclinical drug development including PK/PD and toxicology.
• Proficient with modern drug discovery technologies and methodologies.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute innovative research strategies for small molecule and biologics drug discovery programs.
• Lead and mentor a team of scientists and technicians, fostering a collaborative and high-performance research environment.
• Design and oversee complex research projects, including target validation, hit identification, and lead optimization.
• Interpret experimental results, troubleshoot complex scientific challenges, and make critical decisions to advance projects.
• Manage external collaborations with academic institutions and contract research organizations.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation and patent applications.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related life science discipline

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a distinguished Principal Scientist to lead critical initiatives in drug discovery at their state-of-the-art facility in Cape Town . This senior role involves guiding research strategies, managing project teams, and driving the advancement of novel drug candidates from discovery through preclinical development. You will leverage your deep scientific expertise and leadership skills to foster innovation and accelerate the development of life-changing therapies. This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary scientist to make a profound impact in a globally recognized research organization, working within a vibrant scientific community in Cape Town .

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute innovative research strategies for small molecule and biologics drug discovery programs.
• Lead and mentor a team of scientists and technicians, fostering a collaborative and high-performance research environment.
• Design and oversee complex research projects, including target validation, hit identification, and lead optimization.
• Interpret experimental results, troubleshoot complex scientific challenges, and make critical decisions to advance projects.
• Manage external collaborations with academic institutions and contract research organizations.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation and patent applications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related life science discipline.
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in drug discovery, with a strong understanding of various therapeutic areas.
• Demonstrated success in leading research teams and managing complex scientific projects.
• Expertise in preclinical drug development, including PK/PD studies and toxicology assessment.
• Proficiency in modern drug discovery technologies and methodologies.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with substantial bonus potential.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for leadership development and career advancement.
• Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure in Cape Town .
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
• A stimulating and collaborative work culture focused on scientific breakthroughs.