Senior Chemical Biologist (Drug Target Identification)

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,976,000 - 2,964,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Stock options

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Chemical Biologist to drive drug target identification and validation in a fully remote role. You will apply chemical biology, molecular pharmacology, and biochemistry to discover and characterize novel targets, design advanced experiments, and collaborate with medicinal chemistry teams.

The ideal candidate has a PhD with 5+ years in chemical biology or drug discovery, strong publication record, and experience with chemical probes and HTS assays.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field required.
• Minimum 5 years post-doc or industry experience in chemical biology or drug discovery.
• Experience designing and performing biochemical and cell-based assays required.
• Experience with chemical probe synthesis and application desirable.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for remote teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute biochemical and cellular assays to identify and validate novel drug targets.
• Synthesize and employ chemical probes to interrogate biological pathways and mechanisms of action.
• Develop and optimize HTS assays for target identification.
• Characterize binding and functional properties of small molecules and biologics.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to guide lead optimization.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and present findings.

Skills

Chemical biology

Molecular pharmacology

Biochemistry

Data analysis

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD in Chemical Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field

Tools

Statistical software

Molecular modelling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading biopharmaceutical company, is seeking a Senior Chemical Biologist to drive their drug target identification and validation efforts. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere. You will utilize your expertise in chemical biology, molecular pharmacology, and biochemistry to discover and characterize novel drug targets. This role involves designing and executing cutting-edge experiments, synthesizing and utilizing chemical probes, and collaborating closely with medicinal chemistry and biology teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong publication record and a passion for translating scientific discoveries into potential new medicines. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a dynamic and innovative research organization, all from a remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute biochemical and cellular assays to identify and validate novel drug targets.
• Synthesize and employ chemical probes to interrogate biological pathways and mechanisms of action.
• Develop and optimize high-throughput screening (HTS) assays for target identification.
• Characterize the binding and functional properties of small molecules and biologics.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to guide lead optimization efforts.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, presenting findings to scientific teams.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and develop innovative solutions.
• Contribute to the development of new chemical biology methodologies and technologies.
• Stay abreast of the latest research in chemical biology, pharmacology, and drug discovery.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemical Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in chemical biology or drug discovery.
• Proven experience in designing and performing biochemical and cell-based assays.
• Hands-on experience with chemical probe synthesis and application is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of molecular mechanisms of disease and drug action.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation using relevant software.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, essential for remote team environments.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple research projects concurrently.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Stock options and long-term incentive plans.
• Generous budget for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge drug discovery programs.
• Fully remote work environment offering maximum flexibility.
• Collaborative and scientifically driven culture.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.