Principal Scientist - Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

State-of-the-art laboratories access

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24, a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation, is seeking a Principal Scientist in Pharmaceutical Chemistry to join their R&D division in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA. This hybrid role leads early drug discovery projects and mentors junior scientists, driving strategic decision-making and scientific excellence.

You will oversee SAR-driven optimization of novel small molecules, collaborate with biologists and pharmacologists, and contribute to publications and patents while advancing the

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry is required.
• 8+ years in pharmaceutical drug discovery with strong synthetic/medicinal chemistry background.
• Experience designing and synthesizing novel small molecules and advancing them to early discovery.
• Proficiency with modern synthetic organic techniques and spectroscopy.

Responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry efforts for early-stage drug discovery projects.
• Design and synthesize novel small molecules with optimized properties.
• Develop innovative synthetic routes and purification strategies.
• Guide SAR studies to optimize compounds and progress leads.
• Collaborate with biology, pharmacology, and DMPK teams to evaluate compounds.
• Mentor junior chemists and present findings to teams and senior management.
• Keep up-to-date with advances in synthetic/medicinal chemistry and drug discovery technologies.
• Contribute to patent filings and scientific publications.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

SAR knowledge

NMR MS IR

Communication

Mentoring

Drug discovery understanding

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

IR spectroscopy

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Scientist in Pharmaceutical Chemistry to join their prestigious research and development division. This role, based in **Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA**, is crucial for driving the discovery and development of novel small molecule therapeutics. You will lead critical projects, contribute to strategic decision-making, and mentor junior scientists. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a cutting‑edge R&D environment in **Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA**, contributing to the advancement of medicinal chemistry and drug development. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility while ensuring essential in-person collaboration within our advanced laboratories.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead medicinal chemistry efforts for early-stage drug discovery programs, designing and synthesizing novel small molecules with optimized pharmacological properties.
• Develop and implement innovative synthetic routes and purification strategies.
• Utilize structure‑activity relationship (SAR) studies to guide compound optimization and drive lead progression.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK scientists to assess compound efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic profiles.
• Supervise and mentor junior chemists, fostering their technical and scientific development.
• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to project teams and senior management.
• Stay current with the latest advances in synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery technologies.
• Contribute to patent filings and scientific publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant industry experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery, with a strong emphasis on synthetic and medicinal chemistry.
• Demonstrated success in designing and synthesizing novel small molecules and progressing them through early discovery stages.
• Expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques, including catalysis, asymmetric synthesis, and multi‑step synthesis.
• Proficiency in spectroscopic techniques (NMR, MS, IR) for compound characterization.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery principles, including SAR, ADME/Tox, and PK/PD relationships.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience working in a **Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA** research setting is highly desirable.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively in a fast‑paced environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement plan, and ample paid time off. Employees benefit from access to state‑of‑the‑art synthetic chemistry laboratories and advanced analytical instrumentation. The company strongly supports professional development through training, conferences, and internal mobility. Join a dynamic team in **Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA**, at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation and contribute to the development of life‑saving medicines.