Senior Biochemist - Drug Discovery

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

State-of-the-art facilities

Professional development support

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Biochemist to join its Drug Discovery team in Vereeniging. You will design and execute biochemical assays, analyze data, and collaborate with medicinal chemists and biologists to advance candidate medicines.

A PhD and 6+ years in drug discovery, with enzyme kinetics and HTS experience, are required. The role offers access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry or related life sciences.
• Minimum 6 years in drug discovery with biochemical focus.
• Expertise in enzyme kinetics, protein purification, HTS assay development.
• Experience with biophysical techniques (SPR/ITC) is advantageous.
• Strong pharmacology knowledge and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement biochemical and enzymatic assays for target validation and drug screening.
• Characterize kinetic and mechanistic properties of enzyme targets and drug candidates.
• Analyze complex data, interpret results, and draw sound scientific conclusions.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, and other researchers on drug discovery projects.
• Optimize assay conditions and troubleshoot challenges in a fast-paced research environment.
• Contribute to reports, presentations, and patent applications.

Skills

Biochemistry

Enzyme kinetics

Protein purification

HTS assay development

Biophysical methods

Pharmacology knowledge

Education

PhD in Biochemistry

Tools

SPR

ITC

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Senior Biochemist to join their dynamic Drug Discovery team in Vereeniging . This pivotal role involves contributing to the identification and validation of novel therapeutic targets and the development of innovative drug candidates. The Senior Biochemist will design and execute biochemical assays, analyze complex biological data, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and biologists. You will be instrumental in advancing the company's pipeline of potential new medicines, working within a state-of-the-art research facility committed to scientific excellence and pushing the boundaries of pharmaceutical innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement biochemical and enzymatic assays for target validation and drug screening.
• Characterize the kinetic and mechanistic properties of enzyme targets and drug candidates.
• Analyze complex experimental data, interpret results, and draw sound scientific conclusions.
• Collaborate effectively with medicinal chemists, biologists, and other research scientists on drug discovery projects.
• Optimize assay conditions and troubleshoot technical challenges in a fast-paced research environment.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, presentations, and patent applications.

Requirements

• PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of postdoctoral or industry experience in drug discovery, with a strong focus on biochemical techniques.
• Proven expertise in enzyme kinetics, protein purification, and the development of high-throughput screening (HTS) assays.
• Experience with biophysical techniques (e.g., SPR, ITC) is a significant advantage.
• Strong understanding of pharmacology and disease biology relevant to the company's therapeutic areas.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including performance bonuses.
• The opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge drug discovery programs with real patient impact.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and advanced scientific technologies.
• Support for professional development, conferences, and continuing education.
• A collaborative and stimulating work environment within a leading pharmaceutical research organization.