Remote Principal Drug Discovery Chemist - Lead Growth

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, South Africa, seeks a Principal Drug Discovery Chemist to lead design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules within a globally recognized pharmaceutical innovator. The role emphasizes mentoring, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and strategic program direction in a fully remote setting.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry, 8+ years in drug discovery, and demonstrable success progressing compounds through pipelines

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry is required.
• Minimum of 8 years in pharma/biotech drug discovery with medicinal chemistry focus.
• Track record designing and synthesizing novel compounds progressing in pipelines.
• Strong knowledge of modern synthetic organic chemistry and reaction mechanisms.
• Experience with molecular modeling and SAR analysis using computational tools.
• Solid understanding of DMPK, toxicology, and pharmacology relevant to drug discovery.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and synthesis of novel small molecule drug candidates for specific disease pathways.
• Develop synthetic routes for complex organic molecules with efficiency and scalability.
• Conduct SAR studies to optimize potency, selectivity, and PK properties.
• Collaborate with biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK scientists to guide medicinal chemistry efforts.
• Analyze and interpret chemical and biological data to decide on progression of compounds.
• Stay current with trends in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
• Mentor junior chemists and contribute to strategic direction of programs.
• Prepare reports, publications, and presentations for internal and external audiences.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

Computational chemistry tools

Job description

Placements24 in Durban, South Africa, seeks a Principal Drug Discovery Chemist to lead design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules within a globally recognized pharmaceutical innovator. The role emphasizes mentoring, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and strategic program direction in a fully remote setting.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry, 8+ years in drug discovery, and demonstrable success progressing compounds through pipelines