Principal Scientist - Medicinal Chemistry

Placements24; Rustenburg; Sur place; ZAR 1 200 000 - 2 000 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Generous paid time off

Flexible work arrangements

Access to cutting-edge lab equipment

Résumé du poste

Placements24 seeks a Principal Scientist to lead Medicinal Chemistry efforts in Rustenburg. Design and synthesize novel small molecules, drive hit-to-lead optimization, and mentor junior chemists.

Collaborate with biology, pharmacology, and DMPK to advance drug discovery programs; lead SAR/ADMET-focused strategies and build a high-performing Rustenburg hub.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry required.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on medicinal chemistry experience in pharma/biotech.
• Proven track record in lead optimization and candidate selection.
• Strong knowledge of SAR, ADMET, and modern synthetic techniques.

Responsabilités

• Design and synthesize novel chemical entities targeting disease pathways.
• Optimize lead compounds for potency, selectivity, PK, and safety.
• Develop efficient, scalable synthetic routes for targets.
• Collaborate with biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK to advance projects.
• Lead and mentor a team of medicinal chemists.
• Stay current with advancements in synthetic and medicinal chemistry.

Connaissances

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Mentoring

SAR

ADMET

Formation

PhD in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry

Outils

Purification methods

Synthetic chemistry equipment

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Principal Scientist to lead their Medicinal Chemistry efforts in Rustenburg . This senior role is crucial for designing and synthesizing novel small molecules with therapeutic potential, driving drug discovery programs from hit identification through lead optimization. You will leverage your deep expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and structure-activity relationships (SAR) to guide project teams and contribute significantly to the company's pipeline. The ideal candidate is a creative and experienced chemist with a passion for innovation in drug discovery and a demonstrated ability to lead complex chemical synthesis projects and mentor junior chemists.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel chemical entities targeting specific disease pathways.
• Optimize lead compounds to improve potency, selectivity, pharmacokinetic properties, and safety profiles.
• Develop efficient and scalable synthetic routes for target molecules.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK scientists to advance drug discovery projects.
• Lead and mentor a team of medicinal chemists, providing scientific direction and technical expertise.
• Stay current with advancements in synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and relevant therapeutic areas.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in medicinal chemistry within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Proven track record of successful lead optimization and candidate selection.
• Extensive knowledge of modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques and purification methods.
• Strong understanding of SAR, ADMET properties, and their impact on drug discovery.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and leadership potential within the Rustenburg research hub.

Benefits

• Exceptional salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements.
• Access to cutting-edge synthetic chemistry equipment and resources.
• A highly collaborative and innovative research environment focused on developing life‑saving medicines.