Research Chemist - Pharmaceutical Development

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Advanced laboratory equipment

Career development

Publication opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a talented Research Chemist to join its Pharmaceutical Development team. This hybrid role combines on-site laboratory work with remote analysis, contributing to drug discovery from concept to lead optimization.

You will synthesize novel organic molecules, purify and characterize them with NMR, MS and HPLC, and plan SAR studies in collaboration with biologists and pharmacologists. A PhD in organic/medicinal chemistry is required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Strong publication record or relevant industry experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Proficiency in spectroscopic techniques (NMR, MS, IR).
• Experience with chromatographic purification (HPLC, column chromatography).
• Ability to work independently and in a hybrid Durban-based laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize novel organic molecules using modern synthetic techniques and reaction methodologies.
• Purify and characterize synthesized compounds using NMR, Mass Spectrometry, and HPLC.
• Design and execute experimental plans for lead optimization and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies.
• Collaborate with biologists and pharmacologists to assess the efficacy and properties of new drug candidates.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and contribute to research reports and publications.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

Lead optimization

SAR studies

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry / Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

NMR

Mass Spectrometry

IR spectroscopy

HPLC

Column chromatography

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented and innovative Research Chemist to join their dynamic Pharmaceutical Development team in Durban . This role operates on a hybrid model, combining essential on-site laboratory work with remote collaboration and analysis. You will be instrumental in the discovery and synthesis of novel chemical compounds with potential therapeutic applications. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to critical drug discovery processes, working within a state-of-the-art research facility and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of scientists. You will be involved in various stages of the drug development pipeline, from initial concept to lead optimization, contributing to the creation of life-changing medicines.

Key Responsibilities

• Synthesize novel organic molecules using a range of modern synthetic techniques and reaction methodologies.
• Purify and characterize synthesized compounds using techniques such as NMR, Mass Spectrometry, and HPLC.
• Design and execute experimental plans for lead optimization and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies.
• Collaborate with biologists and pharmacologists to assess the efficacy and properties of new drug candidates.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and contribute to the preparation of research reports and publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in synthetic organic chemistry, with a strong publication record or relevant industry experience.
• Proficiency in spectroscopic techniques for compound characterization (NMR, MS, IR).
• Experience with chromatographic purification techniques (HPLC, column chromatography).
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative hybrid team in a Durban -based laboratory setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Access to advanced laboratory equipment and resources.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within pharmaceutical research.
• Contribution to impactful drug discovery programs.