Remote Pharmaceutical Research Scientist

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Health insurance

Home office allowance

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a remote Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to advance drug discovery from concept to preclinical stages. You will design and run complex in vitro and in vivo experiments, interpret data, and publish findings while collaborating with a global team of scientists.

The role requires a PhD with 4+ years post‑doc or industry experience, strong data analysis, and excellent remote communication. You will contribute to regulatory submissions, grants, and IP discussions in a fully

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 4 years post‑doctoral research experience or equivalent industry R&D experience.
• Proven ability to design and conduct complex biological assays and experiments relevant to drug discovery.
• Strong understanding of disease mechanisms and target validation.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate novel drug candidates.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, drawing sound scientific conclusions and recommendations for future research.
• Stay abreast of literature, technological advancements and trends in drug discovery and development.
• Prepare research reports, manuscripts for publication, and presentations for meetings/submissions.
• Collaborate with CROs and academic partners via virtual channels.
• Maintain accurate experimental records in GLP-compliant systems.
• Develop new research strategies to address therapeutic challenges.
• Identify and troubleshoot issues to keep projects on schedule.
• Contribute to IP generation through publications and filings.
• Participate in virtual team meetings and scientific discussions.

Skills

Experimental design

Data analysis

Remote collaboration

Scientific communication

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Pharmacology/Molecular Biology/Biochemistry

Tools

GraphPad Prism

ELN systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a pioneering pharmaceutical research organization seeking a dedicated and innovative Remote Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to contribute to groundbreaking drug discovery and development efforts. This fully remote position allows talented individuals to work from the comfort of their homes, collaborating with a world‑class team of scientists and researchers. You will play a pivotal role in advancing novel therapeutic candidates from concept through preclinical stages, focusing on innovative approaches to unmet medical needs. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive remote workforce, where scientific curiosity and collaboration thrive. The ideal candidate will be a self‑starter, highly organized, and possess exceptional research skills, with a proven track record in pharmaceutical research. This role offers the flexibility and autonomy that comes with remote work, while ensuring you remain connected to a vibrant scientific community. You will have the opportunity to publish research findings and present at virtual conferences, contributing to the scientific discourse. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation without geographical constraints.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate the efficacy and safety of novel drug candidates.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, drawing sound scientific conclusions and making recommendations for future research directions.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature, technological advancements, and emerging trends in drug discovery and development.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, manuscripts for publication, and presentations for scientific meetings and regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external research partners, including CROs and academic institutions, through virtual channels.
• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and internal data management systems.
• Propose and develop new research strategies and innovative approaches to address specific therapeutic challenges.
• Identify and troubleshoot experimental issues, implementing solutions to ensure project timelines are met.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through patent filings and scientific publications.
• Actively participate in virtual team meetings, discussions, and scientific exchange sessions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of post‑doctoral research experience or equivalent industry experience in pharmaceutical R&D.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and conducting complex biological assays and experiments relevant to drug discovery.
• Strong understanding of disease mechanisms and target validation.
• Proven ability to analyze and interpret large datasets, and proficiency in relevant statistical software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, essential for remote collaboration and scientific documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple projects concurrently, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Experience with various therapeutic areas is a plus.
• Familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism) and electronic lab notebooks.
• A proactive approach to problem‑solving and a passion for scientific discovery.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive health insurance, and a generous allowance for home office setup and professional development. Our client fosters a collaborative and supportive virtual work culture, encouraging work‑life balance and professional growth. While geographically dispersed, team members benefit from regular virtual team‑building activities and access to online learning resources. The opportunity to work on cutting‑edge pharmaceutical research from anywhere makes this a highly attractive role for experienced scientists seeking flexibility and impact.