Principal Scientist - Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Principal Scientist specializing in Pharmaceutical Chemistry to lead medicinal chemistry for drug discovery, guiding projects from hit identification to lead optimization.

You will mentor chemists, collaborate with biology and ADME/Tox teams, and shape strategic research directions while delivering scalable synthetic routes and novel small-molecule candidates.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery with a strong emphasis on medicinal chemistry.
• Demonstrated success leading chemistry efforts on multiple drug discovery projects from hit identification to lead optimization.
• Expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques and purification methods.
• Proficiency in using computational chemistry tools for molecular design and analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry efforts for drug discovery programs, designing and synthesizing novel small molecules with desired pharmacological profiles.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and ADME/Tox scientists to establish SAR and SPR.
• Oversee the optimization of lead compounds, balancing potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties.
• Develop and implement synthetic strategies for complex molecules, ensuring efficient and scalable routes.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of research programs and identify new opportunities for drug discovery.
• Mentor and guide junior medicinal chemists, fostering their scientific and professional growth within the team.

Skills

Medicinal chemistry leadership

SAR/SPR analysis

Synthetic organic chemistry

Computational chemistry

Team mentorship

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

Computational chemistry tools

Purification techniques (chromatography, HPLC)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Principal Scientist with a specialization in Pharmaceutical Chemistry to join their dynamic research facility in Durban . This senior role is crucial for driving the discovery and development of novel small-molecule therapeutics. You will lead critical medicinal chemistry efforts, contribute to strategic project planning, and mentor a team of talented chemists. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of drug discovery principles and a proven track record of success in bringing drug candidates from concept to early development stages within a collaborative, fast-paced laboratory setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry efforts for drug discovery programs, designing and synthesizing novel small molecules with desired pharmacological profiles.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and ADME/Tox scientists to establish structure-activity relationships (SAR) and structure-property relationships (SPR).
• Oversee the optimization of lead compounds, balancing potency, selectivity, and drug-like properties.
• Develop and implement synthetic strategies for complex molecules, ensuring efficient and scalable routes.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of research programs and identify new opportunities for drug discovery.
• Mentor and guide junior medicinal chemists, fostering their scientific and professional growth within the team.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery, with a strong emphasis on medicinal chemistry.
• Demonstrated success in leading chemistry efforts on multiple drug discovery projects from hit identification to lead optimization.
• Expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques and purification methods.
• Proficiency in using computational chemistry tools for molecular design and analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information effectively.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure based on individual and company performance.
• Comprehensive healthcare, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off, including holidays and personal leave days.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development in Durban .