Principal Scientist - Drug Discovery

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & bonuses

Health, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 currently represents a leading pharmaceutical research firm located in George, Western Cape, seeking a Principal Scientist to drive advanced drug discovery initiatives. The role requires oversight of target identification through preclinical candidate selection and leadership of cross-disciplinary teams.

The successful candidate will apply deep expertise in pharmacology, molecular biology, and assay development to shape strategic research directions and ensure high-quality,

Qualifications

• PhD required and extensive experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery.
• Strong track record leading drug discovery projects and mentoring teams.
• Proven ability to design robust in vitro/in vivo experiments and data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple drug discovery projects from concept to preclinical nomination.
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments to validate targets and assess compound efficacy.
• Develop and implement novel assays and screening platforms.
• Interpret data and recommend progression decisions for projects.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, DMPK and toxicology teams.
• Mentor and supervise a team of research scientists and technicians.

Skills

Leadership

Drug discovery

Molecular biology

Biochemical techniques

Project management

Education

PhD in Pharmacology

Tools

Assay platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical research firm situated in George, Western Cape, is actively searching for a highly accomplished Principal Scientist to spearhead critical initiatives within their Drug Discovery division. This senior role demands a profound understanding of molecular biology, pharmacology, and innovative drug development methodologies. The Principal Scientist will be instrumental in guiding research strategies, overseeing experimental design, and driving projects from target identification through to preclinical candidate selection. The role is based in the scenic region of George, offering a stimulating environment for scientific advancement. This is a unique opportunity to influence the direction of cutting-edge drug discovery programs and contribute to the development of novel therapeutics. We are looking for a visionary leader who can inspire a team and navigate the complexities of modern drug development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple drug discovery projects, from initial concept to preclinical candidate nomination.


• Design and execute complex in vitro and in vivo experiments to validate drug targets and assess compound efficacy and safety.


• Develop and implement novel assays and screening platforms to identify potential drug candidates.


• Interpret experimental data, draw scientific conclusions, and make data-driven recommendations for project progression.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, DMPK, and toxicology.


• Mentor and supervise a team of research scientists and technicians, fostering a high-performance culture.


• Stay current with scientific literature and technological advancements in drug discovery and relevant therapeutic areas.


• Prepare scientific reports, presentations, and contribute to patent applications and regulatory filings.


• Manage project budgets and resources, ensuring efficient allocation of funds and personnel.


• Represent the company at scientific conferences and build external collaborations.

Requirements

• PhD in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related life science discipline.


• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery research.


• Demonstrated success in leading drug discovery projects and delivering preclinical candidates.


• Extensive hands‑on experience with a variety of biochemical and cellular assays, and screening technologies.


• Strong understanding of disease biology and therapeutic areas relevant to the company's pipeline.


• Proven experience in managing and mentoring scientific teams.


• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.


• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with a track record of scientific publications and presentations.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced research environment.


• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and drug development processes.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive compensation package, including a generous salary and performance-based bonuses.


• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are included.


• Employees have access to a retirement savings plan.


• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth are supported through training programs and conference attendance.


• The work location in George, Western Cape offers a pleasant working environment.


• Join a team dedicated to making a real difference in patient lives through innovative science.