Senior Biotech Research Leader — Equity & Strategy

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Executive benefits package

Stock options/Equity

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Research Scientist to lead ambitious biopharma R&D projects at its Stellenbosch facility. You will guide experimental design, oversee preclinical work, and mentor postdocs and scientists in a highly collaborative environment.

You will publish findings, contribute to strategic research directions, and ensure compliance with safety and ethics guidelines while advancing novel therapeutics for human health.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Genetics, or a related discipline.
• 8–10 years of post-doctoral experience in biopharmaceutical industry or leading academic research institution.
• Proven leadership of research projects and successful milestones.
• Strong publication record in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex research projects from inception through preclinical evaluation.
• Design and execute experiments to explore biological pathways and targets.
• Develop and validate new assays and technologies for drug discovery.
• Mentor scientists and postdocs; provide scientific guidance to teams.
• Prepare scientific publications, patents, and regulatory documents.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical development.
• Present findings at internal meetings and scientific conferences.
• Identify new areas of scientific exploration and contribute to R&D portfolio strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Team management

Data analysis

Experimental design

Scientific communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology/ Biochemistry/ Immunology/ Genetics

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Principal Research Scientist to lead ambitious biopharma R&D projects at its Stellenbosch facility. You will guide experimental design, oversee preclinical work, and mentor postdocs and scientists in a highly collaborative environment.

You will publish findings, contribute to strategic research directions, and ensure compliance with safety and ethics guidelines while advancing novel therapeutics for human health.