Principal Scientist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybride; ZAR 1 200 000 - 2 000 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Health benefits

Dental & vision

Stock options

Learning opportunities

Research environment in Rustenburg

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a distinguished Principal Scientist in Drug Discovery to join our research facility in Rustenburg. You will lead discovery programs, design strategic research plans, and guide cross-functional teams to accelerate therapeutic goals.

The role requires a PhD in a life science, 10+ years in drug discovery, and proven leadership. You will mentor scientists, advance lead identification and optimization, and contribute to scientific meetings and publications.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• 10+ years in drug discovery with a track record of bringing candidates into clinical development.
• Deep understanding of disease biology and therapeutic areas.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to manage complex research projects.

Responsabilités

• Lead discovery research programs to identify and validate novel drug targets.
• Mentor and manage a team of researchers and technicians.
• Develop innovative experimental strategies and assays for efficacy and safety assessment.
• Oversee lead compound synthesis and optimization with medicinal chemistry teams.
• Analyze biological data and make recommendations for project progression.
• Represent the company at scientific meetings and contribute to publications and regulatory submissions.

Connaissances

Scientific leadership

Biological assays

Data analysis

Target discovery

Formation

PhD in Pharmacology/Biochemistry/Molecular Biology

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client is seeking a distinguished Principal Scientist with a strong background in Drug Discovery to join their innovative research facility in Rustenburg . You will be instrumental in driving the discovery and development of novel drug candidates for unmet medical needs. This senior role involves leading cross-functional project teams, designing strategic research plans, and contributing expert scientific knowledge to accelerate our pipeline. We are looking for a seasoned scientist who can inspire a team and make critical decisions to advance our therapeutic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of discovery research programs aimed at identifying and validating novel drug targets.
• Manage and mentor a team of research scientists and technicians, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Develop and implement innovative experimental strategies and assays to assess compound efficacy and safety.
• Oversee the synthesis and optimization of lead compounds, collaborating closely with medicinal chemistry teams.
• Analyze and interpret complex biological and pharmacological data, making key recommendations for project progression.
• Represent the company at scientific meetings and contribute to patent filings and regulatory submissions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• Extensive experience (10+ years) in drug discovery, with a proven track record of bringing candidates into clinical development.
• Deep understanding of disease biology and expertise in relevant therapeutic areas.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to manage complex research projects effectively.
• Strong proficiency in a range of biological assays, screening technologies, and data analysis techniques.

Benefits

• A leading salary package commensurate with experience and contributions.
• Exceptional health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous stock options and performance-based incentives.
• Support for continuous learning, conference attendance, and publication opportunities.
• A dynamic and scientifically driven research environment in Rustenburg , focused on making a difference.