Research Scientist - Pharmaceutical Discovery

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Remote work option

Professional development

Health insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Research Scientist for a remote role with occasional site visits to support novel drug discovery. You will design experiments to identify targets, develop assays, analyze data, and contribute to preclinical candidate programs in a fast-paced, science-driven environment.

The role requires a PhD in a life sciences field, 3+ years' industry experience or postdoctoral work, and strong communication skills to present findings to teams and management.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant life sciences field.
• Postdoctoral experience or 3+ years in pharma/biotech R&D.
• Demonstrated ability to design and interpret experiments.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex experiments to investigate disease mechanisms and identify novel drug targets.
• Develop and optimize in vitro and in vivo assays to support drug discovery and development efforts.
• Perform data analysis, interpret results, and present findings clearly and concisely to project teams and senior management.
• Contribute to the development of preclinical candidates, including lead optimization and characterization studies.
• Collaborate effectively with internal teams (e.g., chemistry, biology, DMPK) and external partners.
• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging technologies in drug discovery and relevant therapeutic areas.

Skills

Cell culture

Molecular cloning

Protein expression/purification

High-throughput screening

Analytical skills

Written and verbal communication

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or closely related discipline

Job description

Our client, a cutting-edge pharmaceutical company focused on novel drug discovery, is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Research Scientist to join their team, operating remotely with potential for occasional site visits. This role is crucial for identifying and validating new therapeutic targets and developing innovative small molecule or biologic drug candidates. You will conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to the preclinical development pipeline, working in a fast-paced, collaborative, and science-driven environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented scientist passionate about making a significant impact on the future of medicine through groundbreaking research in the pharmaceutical field.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex experiments to investigate disease mechanisms and identify novel drug targets.


• Develop and optimize in vitro and in vivo assays to support drug discovery and development efforts.


• Perform data analysis, interpret results, and present findings clearly and concisely to project teams and senior management.


• Contribute to the development of preclinical candidates, including lead optimization and characterization studies.


• Collaborate effectively with internal teams (e.g., chemistry, biology, DMPK) and external partners.


• Stay current with scientific literature and emerging technologies in drug discovery and relevant therapeutic areas.

Requirements

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related discipline.


• Postdoctoral experience or 3+ years of relevant industry experience in pharmaceutical R&D or biotech.


• Proven track record of successful experimental design, execution, and data interpretation in drug discovery.


• Experience with relevant scientific techniques (e.g., cell culture, molecular cloning, protein expression/purification, high-throughput screening).


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent written and verbal communication abilities.


• Ability to work independently and manage multiple research projects simultaneously in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.


• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.


• Generous paid time off and company holidays.


• Support for professional development, including conferences and training opportunities.


• The opportunity to work remotely and contribute to pioneering drug discovery efforts in the Northern Cape region and beyond.