Research Scientist - Pharmaceutical Development

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & annual bonuses

Health and wellness benefits

Continuing education support

Hybrid work model

Access to advanced research facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Research Scientist to join a Pharmaceutical Development team in Welkom. The role covers early-stage development of novel drug candidates from discovery through preclinical evaluation, with emphasis on synthesis, screening, and MOA studies.

You will bring a PhD or MSc in medicinal/organic chemistry or pharmacology, 3–5 years of relevant R&D experience, and strong skills in synthetic chemistry, biological assays, and data analysis.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmacology, or related field.
• 3–5 years of relevant pharmaceutical R&D experience.
• Strong practical skills in synthetic organic chemistry (multi-step synthesis and purification).
• Experience with various biological assay platforms and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with drug discovery processes and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize small molecules with potential therapeutic activity.
• Design and conduct in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate efficacy, potency, and mechanism of action.
• Collaborate with pharmacology, toxicology, and DMPK teams to advance drug candidates through the development pipeline.
• Optimize lead compounds for improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, contributing to study reports and research publications.
• Maintain high standards of laboratory safety and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Synthetic chemistry

In vitro assays

In vivo assays

Data analysis

Drug discovery

Education

PhD or MSc in Medicinal/Organic Chemistry or Pharmacology

Tools

Assay platforms

Regulatory knowledge

Job description

Our client is actively recruiting a dedicated Research Scientist to join their dynamic Pharmaceutical Development team in Welkom . This role focuses on the early-stage development of novel drug candidates, from discovery through preclinical evaluation. You will contribute to key research activities, including compound synthesis, screening, and mechanism-of-action studies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in medicinal chemistry or pharmacology, with a passion for translating scientific insights into potential life-saving therapies. This position offers a stimulating work environment where innovation and scientific rigor are highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Synthesize and characterize small molecules with potential therapeutic activity using modern organic chemistry techniques.
• Design and conduct in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate compound efficacy, potency, and mechanism of action.
• Collaborate with pharmacology, toxicology, and DMPK teams to advance drug candidates through the development pipeline.
• Optimize lead compounds for improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, contributing to study reports and research publications.
• Maintain high standards of laboratory safety and compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmacology, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of relevant research experience in pharmaceutical R&D or a closely related industry.
• Strong practical skills in synthetic organic chemistry, including multi-step synthesis and purification techniques.
• Experience with various biological assay platforms and data analysis tools.
• Familiarity with drug discovery processes and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and capacity for independent work.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and potential for annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Support for continuing education and professional growth.
• Hybrid work model allowing for a blend of office and remote work.
• Access to advanced research equipment and collaborative R&D facilities in Welkom .