Principal Scientist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus potential

Executive benefits

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton is seeking a highly experienced Principal Scientist to lead drug discovery initiatives, shaping strategy from target validation to lead optimization. This senior role requires guiding cross-functional teams and driving innovative approaches to complex disease challenges in a hybrid work environment.

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in a life sciences field and 8+ years in pharma/biotech drug discovery, with a proven track record of leading discovery projects from

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a life science discipline (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology).
• 8+ years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry focused on drug discovery.
• Leadership and strategic thinking in guiding discovery programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams in the execution of drug discovery projects.
• Define and drive scientific strategy from early target validation to lead optimization.
• Design and oversee complex experiments to identify and validate novel drug targets and pathways.
• Evaluate and implement cutting-edge technologies and methodologies in drug discovery.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and other R&D functions.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation and external scientific communication.

Education

Ph.D. in a life science discipline

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Principal Scientist to lead critical drug discovery initiatives in Sandton . This senior role involves shaping the strategy for novel therapeutic programs, from target identification and validation through to lead optimization. You will leverage your deep scientific expertise, guide cross-functional teams, and foster innovative approaches to tackle complex disease challenges. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in small molecule or biologic drug discovery, strong leadership skills, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, hybrid work environment. This is a strategic opportunity to drive the pipeline of future medicines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams in the execution of drug discovery projects.
• Define and drive scientific strategy for multiple discovery programs, from early target validation to lead optimization.
• Design and oversee complex experiments to identify and validate novel drug targets and pathways.
• Evaluate and implement cutting-edge technologies and methodologies in drug discovery.
• Collaborate effectively with medicinal chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and other R&D functions.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation and external scientific communication.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a relevant life science discipline (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology).
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a focus on drug discovery.
• Demonstrated success in leading discovery projects from concept to preclinical candidate selection.
• Expertise in one or more therapeutic areas and relevant biological pathways.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery processes, including target validation, hit identification, and lead optimization.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and significant bonus potential.
• Comprehensive executive benefits package.
• Support for ongoing professional development and conference participation.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and a focus on well-being.
• Opportunity to shape the future of medicine within a leading organization.