Remote Principal Scientist, Drug Discovery Lead

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation

Premium health coverage

Retirement plans

Bonus potential

Fully remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Scientist with extensive experience in Drug Discovery to lead critical research initiatives on a fully remote basis. This senior position requires a strategic thinker capable of driving projects from target identification through lead optimization, leveraging deep scientific expertise and a proven track record of success.

You will collaborate with a global team of scientists, manage research projects, and contribute to the company's

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in drug discovery within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Demonstrated success in leading discovery programs and bringing drug candidates to preclinical development.
• Expertise in a relevant therapeutic area and modality (e.g., small molecules, biologics).
• Strong understanding of pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and toxicology principles.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and project management skills for a remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary drug discovery teams in the design and execution of research programs.
• Oversee target identification, validation, and hit-to-lead optimization processes.
• Develop and implement innovative strategies to advance drug candidates through the discovery pipeline.
• Analyze complex biological data, interpret results, and make data-driven decisions for project progression.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners, including academic institutions and CROs.
• Author research reports, regulatory documents, and scientific publications.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Remote collaboration

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or related life science

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Scientist with extensive experience in Drug Discovery to lead critical research initiatives on a fully remote basis. This senior position requires a strategic thinker capable of driving projects from target identification through lead optimization, leveraging deep scientific expertise and a proven track record of success.

You will collaborate with a global team of scientists, manage research projects, and contribute to the company's