Principal Scientist - Pharmaceutical R&D

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Health, retirement and life insurance

Leadership development opportunities

Access to state-of-the-art research

Stock options

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Scientist in Sandton to spearhead pharmaceutical R&D initiatives. The role requires steering complex projects from discovery to preclinical development, identifying novel targets, and advancing candidates in a dynamic, high-impact environment.

The candidate will lead a team of scientists, mentor staff, and prepare regulatory documents while communicating findings to senior leadership and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacology, MedChem, Molecular Biology, or related.
• 10+ years of progressive pharma R&D experience.
• Proven track record leading drug discovery programs into clinical development.
• Expertise in at least one major therapeutic area (oncology, immunology, neuroscience).
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and regulatory interactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all phases of pharmaceutical R&D projects, from discovery to preclinical.
• Design and execute research strategies to identify and validate drug targets.
• Develop and optimize novel small molecule or biologic candidates.
• Oversee synthesis, characterization and preclinical testing of leads.
• Mentor and manage a team of research scientists and technicians.
• Prepare regulatory documents, publications, and present findings to leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Drug discovery

Strategic thinking

Communication

Project management

Team mentorship

Education

PhD in Pharmacology/MedChem/Molecular Biology

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Scientist to spearhead pharmaceutical research and development initiatives in Sandton . This senior role requires a visionary leader who can drive innovation, manage complex R&D projects, and contribute significantly to the drug discovery pipeline. You will work at the forefront of pharmaceutical science, applying your expertise to identify, develop, and advance novel therapeutic candidates. This is a premier opportunity to shape the future of drug development within a leading organization, working within a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment in the economic hub of Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all phases of pharmaceutical R&D projects, from early discovery to preclinical development.
• Design and execute cutting-edge research strategies to identify and validate new drug targets.
• Develop and optimize novel small molecule or biologic drug candidates.
• Oversee the synthesis, characterization, and preclinical testing of lead compounds.
• Mentor and manage a team of research scientists and technicians.
• Prepare regulatory documents, publications, and present findings to senior leadership and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical R&D.
• Demonstrated success in leading drug discovery programs and bringing candidates into clinical development.
• Expertise in at least one major therapeutic area (e.g., oncology, immunology, neuroscience).
• Strong understanding of drug discovery principles, including target identification, lead optimization, and preclinical assessment.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills for this key role in Sandton .

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package, including salary, bonuses, and stock options.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and life insurance benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and a collaborative scientific culture in Gauteng .
• The chance to make a profound impact on patient lives through groundbreaking pharmaceutical innovation.