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

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.