Remote Principal Scientist - Neuropharmacology

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Performance-based bonus

Health, dental & vision insurance

Home office equipment stipend

Unlimited PTO

Professional development budget

401(k) retirement plan with employer-m

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Scientist in Neuropharmacology to lead remote CNS drug discovery initiatives. You will shape strategy, drive innovation, and manage cross-functional teams to advance therapeutic candidates for neurological disorders.

The role requires a Ph.D. with 8+ years of industry experience, strong leadership, and an ability to work effectively in a fully remote, global team environment. Expect collaboration with CROs and external partners to accelerate development.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology or closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive drug discovery experience in pharma or similar.
• Extensive hands-on experience with in vivo models of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
• Deep understanding of CNS targets, signaling pathways, and disease mechanisms.
• Proven ability to lead complex research projects from discovery through early development.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of neuropharmacology research programs focused on CNS disorders.
• Identify, validate, and characterize novel molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
• Develop and execute in vivo and in vitro assays to assess drug efficacy, pharmacology, and mechanism of action.
• Interpret complex experimental data and provide strategic insights to guide project progression.
• Manage external collaborations with academia and CROs.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists in the remote team.
• Author research reports, regulatory documents, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and external conferences.
• Collaborate with chemistry, DMPK, and translational science teams to ensure integrated drug development.
• Stay updated with literature and advancements in neuropharmacology.

Education

Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology

Tools

In vivo models

Molecular neurobiology

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a pioneering pharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering novel treatments for neurological disorders. We are seeking an exceptional Principal Scientist in Neuropharmacology to join our fully remote research team. This senior leadership role will be critical in shaping and executing our drug discovery strategy within the CNS therapeutic area. You will leverage your deep expertise in neuropharmacology, molecular neurobiology, and drug development to identify and advance innovative therapeutic candidates. As a remote-first organization, we provide robust infrastructure and support to ensure seamless collaboration and productivity. This role offers the unique advantage of working from anywhere, contributing to a global research effort aimed at addressing unmet medical needs in **neurology**. You will be expected to lead project teams, drive scientific innovation, and contribute significantly to our pipeline. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and dynamic remote work culture that empowers scientists to achieve groundbreaking results. This position requires a self-motivated individual who thrives in an independent, yet highly collaborative, virtual environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of neuropharmacology research programs focused on CNS disorders.
• Identify, validate, and characterize novel molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
• Develop and execute in vivo and in vitro assays to assess drug efficacy, pharmacology, and mechanism of action.
• Interpret complex experimental data, providing strategic insights to guide project progression.
• Manage external collaborations with academic institutions and contract research organizations (CROs).
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and research associates within the remote team.
• Author research reports, regulatory documents, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.
• Collaborate closely with chemistry, DMPK, and translational science teams to ensure integrated drug development.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in neuropharmacology and related fields.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive drug discovery experience in the pharmaceutical industry or a comparable research setting.
• Extensive hands-on experience with a broad range of in vivo models of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
• Deep understanding of CNS molecular targets, signaling pathways, and disease mechanisms.
• Proven ability to lead complex research projects from discovery through to early development stages.
• Excellent track record of publications and presentations in reputable journals and conferences.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to effectively manage CROs and external collaborations.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, essential for remote collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and make data-driven decisions.
• Experience with regulatory submissions (e.g., IND) is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience and remote status.
• Generous stock options and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Home office equipment and technology stipend.
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.
• Professional development budget for conferences, training, and certifications.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Opportunities for significant career advancement within a growing biotech company.
• Direct impact on developing life-changing therapies for patients.
• A flexible and autonomous remote work environment.