Remote Pharmaceutical Research Scientist - Drug Discovery

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first work model

Competitive salary

Private medical insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly motivated Remote Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join the Drug Discovery team. This fully remote role allows you to contribute to groundbreaking research from home, anywhere in Africa or beyond, with a focus on identifying targets and advancing drug candidates.

The candidate will design and execute experiments, validate targets, synthesize novel molecules, and collaborate with a world-class team, while contributing to publications and regulatory submissions.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum 5 years post‑doc or industry experience in drug discovery.
• Excellent communication and collaboration in a remote team.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments for drug efficacy and safety.
• Utilize biochemical and cellular assays for target validation and screening.
• Synthesize and characterize novel small molecules with therapeutic potential.
• Contribute to scientific publications, patents, and regulatory submissions.
• Maintain electronic lab notebooks and adhere to safety protocols.

Skills

Communication

Data analysis

Remote collaboration

Independent project management

Education

PhD in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry or related

Tools

GraphPad Prism

R

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge pharmaceutical company at the forefront of medical innovation, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Remote Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join their Drug Discovery team. This position is a fully remote, first opportunity, allowing you to contribute significantly to groundbreaking research from the comfort of your own home, regardless of your location within **South Africa** or beyond. You will play a pivotal role in identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets, designing and synthesizing new chemical entities, and conducting preclinical studies to advance potential drug candidates through the pipeline. This role demands a proactive approach, exceptional scientific rigor, and a passion for making a tangible difference in patient lives. The successful candidate will collaborate with a world‑class team of scientists and researchers, leveraging state‑of‑the‑art tools and technologies to accelerate the discovery of next‑generation medicines. This is an unparalleled chance to shape the future of pharmaceutical research in a flexible, remote‑first environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate drug efficacy and safety.
• Utilize advanced biochemical, molecular biology, and cellular assays for target validation and compound screening.
• Synthesize and characterize novel small molecules with therapeutic potential.
• Analyze complex datasets, interpret results, and present findings to project teams and senior management.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and toxicologists to advance drug candidates.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific publications, patents, and regulatory submissions.
• Maintain detailed electronic laboratory notebooks and adhere to all safety protocols.
• Actively participate in scientific discussions and contribute to the strategic direction of drug discovery programs.
• Stay current with the latest advancements and literature in relevant therapeutic areas and drug discovery technologies.

Requirements

• PhD in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of post‑doctoral or industry experience in drug discovery.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following areas: oncology, immunology, neuroscience, or infectious diseases.
• Hands‑on experience with a variety of assay development and screening techniques.
• Proven track record of successfully contributing to drug discovery projects, evidenced by publications or patents.
• Exceptional problem‑solving abilities and a strong scientific aptitude.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a remote team setting.
• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, R) and electronic lab notebooks.
• Self‑motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple projects independently.

Benefits

• As a fully remote position, this role offers unparalleled flexibility and work‑life balance.
• Our client provides a highly competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance and a generous retirement plan.
• You will have access to ongoing professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and further education support.
• We foster a culture of innovation and scientific excellence, where your contributions are valued and recognized.
• This role is ideal for a motivated scientist seeking to make a significant impact from anywhere in **South Africa**, contributing to our client's mission to develop life‑saving therapies.