Research Scientist - Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Research Scientist for our Pharmaceutical Chemistry department in Port Elizabeth. The role focuses on the synthesis and characterization of novel small molecules with potential therapeutic applications, contributing to early-stage drug discovery alongside experienced medicinal chemists and pharmacologists.

The ideal candidate will have strong synthetic organic chemistry skills, SAR understanding, and a passion for medicinal chemistry.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Organic/Chemistry-related field.
• Proven experience in synthetic organic chemistry, including multi-step synthesis.
• Proficiency with analytical techniques: NMR, MS, HPLC.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize novel small molecules according to protocols.
• Characterize compounds using NMR, LC-MS, and HPLC.
• Optimize reaction conditions and develop scalable routes.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to prepare target compounds.
• Maintain detailed ELN records and troubleshoot synthesis challenges.
• Present findings in team meetings and contribute to project strategy.
• Ensure laboratory safety and proper procurement of reagents.
• Stay updated with current literature in synthetic and medicinal chemistry.

Skills

Synthetic chemistry

Multi-step synthesis

Analytical chemistry

SAR understanding

Time management

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

MSc/PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

HPLC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical company focused on innovative drug development, is seeking a dedicated Research Scientist to join their Pharmaceutical Chemistry department. This role is based in our modern research facility in Port Elizabeth . You will be involved in the synthesis and characterization of novel small molecules with potential therapeutic applications. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to early-stage drug discovery programs, working alongside experienced medicinal chemists and pharmacologists. The ideal candidate will possess strong synthetic organic chemistry skills and a passion for medicinal chemistry. You will be an integral part of a team committed to discovering and developing new treatments for diseases with unmet medical needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Synthesize novel small molecules according to established and innovative protocols.
• Characterize synthesized compounds using analytical techniques such as NMR, LC-MS, and HPLC.
• Optimize reaction conditions and develop scalable synthetic routes.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to design and prepare target compounds for biological evaluation.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments and results in electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and propose solutions.
• Participate in team meetings, contribute to project strategy discussions, and present findings.
• Ensure adherence to all safety protocols and laboratory procedures.
• Assist in the procurement and management of laboratory supplies and reagents.
• Stay updated with the latest literature in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field.
• Proven experience in synthetic organic chemistry, including multi-step synthesis.
• Proficiency with modern analytical techniques for compound characterization (NMR, MS, HPLC, etc.).
• Experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology research setting is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with reaction optimization and scale-up principles.
• Strong understanding of structure-activity relationships (SAR).
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a research team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to laboratory safety and good laboratory practices.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Beyond the attractive base pay, employees benefit from a comprehensive health insurance plan, a retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development, including participation in scientific conferences and workshops, are provided.
• This role is based in Port Elizabeth , offering a pleasant coastal living experience.
• We cultivate a collaborative and innovative work environment, emphasizing scientific rigor and teamwork.
• The chance to contribute to meaningful drug discovery projects within a well-established pharmaceutical company is a significant advantage.