Senior Bio-organic Chemist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; In loco; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.600.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Descrizione del lavoro

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Bio-organic Chemist for an on-site role in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The position focuses on designing, synthesizing, and optimizing novel small molecule drug candidates, while leading projects and mentoring junior chemists.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Organic, Bio-organic or Medicinal Chemistry with 6+ years of post-doctoral experience, plus a proven track record in publications and drug design.

Competenze

• PhD in Organic, Bio-organic or Medicinal Chemistry.
• At least 6 years of post-doctoral research in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Experience with asymmetric synthesis, catalysis and multi-step synthesis.
• Proficiency in NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS and HPLC for characterization.
• Strong understanding of SAR and drug-design principles.
• Experience mentoring junior researchers.

Mansioni

• Design and execute complex multi-step organic syntheses for novel drug candidates.
• Optimize synthetic routes for scalability and efficiency.
• Characterize compounds using NMR, MS, and HPLC.
• Collaborate with biologists, pharmacologists and medicinal chemists on SAR and optimization.
• Mentor junior synthetic chemists and guide project teams.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and contribute to publications.
• Ensure GLP compliance and laboratory safety.

Conoscenze

SAR & drug design

Leadership/mentoring

Problem solving

Scientific communications

Formazione

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry / Bio-organic Chemistry / Medicinal Chemistry

Strumenti

NMR

LC-MS

GC-MS

HPLC

Descrizione del lavoro

About the Role

Our client, a renowned pharmaceutical research and development company, is seeking an accomplished Senior Bio-organic Chemist to join their prestigious team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This role is central to the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules with therapeutic potential. You will lead critical projects, mentor junior chemists, and contribute significantly to the drug discovery pipeline. The ideal candidate possesses a profound understanding of organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and the principles of drug design, with a strong publication record and proven experience in leading research initiatives.

This position is based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, and requires a dedicated, on-site presence to facilitate laboratory work and close collaboration with research teams. We are looking for a scientifically driven individual passionate about developing innovative solutions to complex biological challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex multi-step organic syntheses to generate novel small molecule drug candidates.
• Optimize synthetic routes for scalability and efficiency.
• Utilize a wide range of spectroscopic and analytical techniques (NMR, Mass Spectrometry, HPLC) for compound characterization and purity assessment.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and other medicinal chemists to define structure-activity relationships (SAR) and guide compound optimization.
• Develop and implement innovative synthetic methodologies to access challenging molecular scaffolds.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior synthetic chemists.
• Prepare detailed research reports, presentations, and contribute to patent filings and scientific publications.
• Ensure compliance with all laboratory safety protocols and good laboratory practices (GLP).

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Bio-organic Chemistry, or Medicinal Chemistry.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral research experience in synthetic organic chemistry, preferably within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Extensive experience in modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques, including asymmetric synthesis, catalysis, and multi-step synthesis.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS, and HPLC for compound characterization.
• Strong understanding of medicinal chemistry principles, SAR, and drug design strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute complex synthetic projects.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a creative approach to synthetic challenges.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of scientific publications.
• Experience mentoring junior researchers is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and performance bonuses, as well as significant opportunities for professional development. Employees have access to state-of-the-art synthetic chemistry laboratories and the chance to contribute to the development of life-changing medicines. The company fosters a collaborative and scientifically rigorous environment in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. Join a team dedicated to making a tangible impact on global health through innovative pharmaceutical research.