Research Scientist (Drug Discovery)

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein is seeking a Research Scientist specializing in Drug Discovery to join a collaborative R&D team. The role involves designing and executing experiments to identify and validate drug targets and optimize lead compounds in a hybrid work setting.

The candidate should hold a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field, with a minimum of 3 years post-doctoral or industry experience in drug discovery and strong DMPK

Qualifications

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in drug discovery.
• Experience designing and conducting experiments relevant to small molecule drug discovery.
• Hands-on molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Strong understanding of medicinal chemistry principles and DMPK.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• HTS methodologies experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate efficacy and safety of potential drug candidates.
• Develop and validate biochemical and cellular assays for target validation and compound screening.
• Synthesize and characterize small molecules with potential therapeutic activity (if applicable).
• Analyze and interpret data, draw conclusions and propose next steps.
• Collaborate with chemists, biologists and pharmacologists to advance drug discovery projects.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and contribute to reports and publications.
• Stay updated on latest literature and tech in drug discovery.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and external conferences.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment.

Skills

Experimental design

Data analysis

Scientific reporting

Team collaboration

HTS experience

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics, is seeking a talented Research Scientist specializing in Drug Discovery to join their collaborative R&D team. This role will involve the design and execution of experiments to identify and validate new drug targets and optimize lead compounds. You will work at the forefront of scientific innovation, contributing to the development of life‑changing medicines. The successful candidate will possess a strong background in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, or a related discipline, with a passion for unraveling complex biological challenges. This position offers a fantastic opportunity for career growth and impact within a dynamic and well‑resourced research environment. The role is based in **Bloemfontein, Free State** with a flexible hybrid work arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of potential drug candidates.
• Develop and validate biochemical and cellular assays for target validation and compound screening.
• Synthesize and characterize small molecules with potential therapeutic activity (if applicable to specific specialization).
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, drawing sound conclusions and proposing next steps.
• Collaborate with chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to advance drug discovery projects from hit identification to lead optimization.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records and contribute to the preparation of research reports, publications, and patent applications.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in drug discovery.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in drug discovery.
• Proven experience in designing and conducting experiments relevant to small molecule drug discovery.
• Hands-on experience with a range of molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Strong understanding of principles of medicinal chemistry and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think creatively.
• Proficiency in data analysis and scientific reporting.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with high-throughput screening (HTS) methodologies is a plus.
• Willingness to work a hybrid schedule in **Bloemfontein, Free State**.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical aid, and retirement fund contributions. Employees have access to ongoing professional development opportunities, including training programs and attendance at key scientific conferences. The company fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, with state-of-the-art facilities. The hybrid work model in **Bloemfontein** offers a balance between focused lab work and remote flexibility. Opportunities for career progression within the organization are significant.