Remote Senior Computational Chemist

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Home office allowance

Health insurance

Flexible working hours

Online training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Computational Chemist to join a fully remote R&D team. You will lead computational drug discovery efforts using molecular modeling, quantum chemistry, and cheminformatics to support lead optimization.

The role requires a Ph.D. in a relevant field and 6+ years of experience, with strong Python/Perl scripting and proficiency in major software packages. Collaboration across cross-functional teams is essential, and remote work is embraced.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry or related field required.
• 6+ years in computational chemistry within pharma/biotech.
• Proficiency with molecular modeling software and quantum chemistry packages.
• Programming in Python or Perl for scripting and data analysis.
• Experience collaborating in remote, cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular modeling, dynamics, and virtual screening to optimize leads.
• Apply quantum mechanics to study reactions and electronic properties.
• Develop cheminformatics tools and databases for chemical data.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists.
• Present results to both computational and experimental teams.
• Predict ADMET properties and aid in compound selection.
• Stay updated with advances in software and methods.
• Contribute to new workflows and document models and results.

Skills

Python

Perl

Remote collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry/ Chemistry/ Chemical Physics

Tools

Schrodinger Suite

MOE

Amber

GROMACS

Gaussian

ORCA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in pharmaceutical research and development, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Computational Chemist to join their fully remote R&D team. This position offers the unique opportunity to contribute to the discovery and design of novel therapeutics from your home office. You will leverage advanced computational techniques, including molecular modeling, cheminformatics, and quantum chemistry, to guide drug discovery programs. Our client is committed to innovation and embraces a remote-first work culture, fostering collaboration and productivity across geographically dispersed teams. This role is crucial for accelerating our pipeline of life-saving medicines.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform molecular modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and virtual screening to identify and optimize lead compounds.
• Apply quantum mechanical calculations to study reaction mechanisms, electronic properties, and spectroscopic characteristics of molecules.
• Develop and implement cheminformatics tools and databases for managing and analyzing chemical data.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to provide computational support for drug discovery projects.
• Interpret and present computational results effectively to both computational and experimental teams.
• Design and execute computational studies to predict ADMET properties and guide compound selection.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in computational chemistry, software, and methodologies.
• Contribute to the development of new computational strategies and workflows.
• Maintain detailed documentation of computational models, parameters, and results.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in computational chemistry within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
• Proficiency in molecular modeling software (e.g., Schrodinger Suite, MOE, Amber, GROMACS) and quantum chemistry packages (e.g., Gaussian, ORCA).
• Strong understanding of theoretical chemistry principles and their application to drug discovery.
• Experience with programming languages such as Python or Perl for scripting and data analysis.
• Knowledge of cheminformatics databases and tools.
• Proven ability to work independently and effectively in a remote team environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to research challenges.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective collaboration and reporting.

Benefits

Our client provides a highly competitive salary of up to R per annum, along with an extensive benefits package tailored for remote employees. This includes a generous home office allowance, comprehensive health insurance, a competitive retirement savings plan, and flexible working hours. We are committed to the professional growth of our remote workforce, offering access to online training, virtual conferences, and continuous learning opportunities. This fully remote position allows you to make a significant impact on drug discovery from anywhere, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in medicine.