Remote Lead Research Chemist – Pharmaceutical Innovation

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a globally recognized pharmaceutical research leader to hire a Lead Research Chemist. This remote-first role can be performed anywhere in South Africa.

You will lead chemists, oversee projects from conception to early development, and drive discovery of novel pharmaceutical compounds. Ideal candidates hold a PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry with 7+ years of pharma R&D experience, strong expertise in modern synthetic chemistry, and proven leadership in remote

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or related field.
• 7+ years of pharma R&D experience with focus on synthesis and drug discovery.
• Strong knowledge of modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage research projects focused on synthesis and characterization of new chemical entities for pharmaceutical applications.
• Design and execute complex synthetic routes, optimize reaction conditions and troubleshoot challenges.
• Develop and implement analytical methods for compound characterization, purity, and stability testing.
• Collaborate with biologists, pharmacologists and formulation scientists to advance drug candidates.
• Mentor junior chemists and guide a virtual team; review progress and provide technical leadership.
• Prepare detailed research reports, scientific publications, and patent applications.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and regulatory guidelines in remote lab settings.
• Stay updated on advances in synthetic and medicinal chemistry and manage project timelines and budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Synthetic chemistry

NMR

MS

HPLC

GC

SAR knowledge

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

ELNs

Chemical inventory systems

Job description

Placements24 partners with a globally recognized pharmaceutical research leader to hire a Lead Research Chemist. This remote-first role can be performed anywhere in South Africa.

You will lead chemists, oversee projects from conception to early development, and drive discovery of novel pharmaceutical compounds. Ideal candidates hold a PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry with 7+ years of pharma R&D experience, strong expertise in modern synthetic chemistry, and proven leadership in remote