Senior Computational Chemist

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,994,000 - 2,991,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development support

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Computational Chemist to drive advanced drug discovery research from a fully remote location. You will lead quantum mechanical and molecular dynamics studies, build predictive models, and apply cheminformatics for virtual screening and QSAR.

Collaboration with experimental teams will translate computations into actionable experiments. The ideal candidate holds a PhD with at least 5 years in computational chemistry, is proficient in Python scripting, and has

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in computational chemistry.
• Expertise in quantum chemistry calculations (e.g., DFT, ab initio methods) and molecular mechanics simulations.
• Proficiency with major computational chemistry software packages (Gaussian, Schrödinger, AMBER, NAMD).
• Strong programming skills in Python and scripting for workflow automation.
• Familiarity with cheminformatics databases and tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, effective in a remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-level quantum mechanical and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate chemical reactions and molecular properties.
• Develop and apply computational models for predicting molecular behavior, binding affinities, and reaction pathways.
• Utilize cheminformatics tools for virtual screening, lead optimization, and QSAR studies.
• Collaborate with experimental teams to design and interpret experiments based on computational predictions.
• Contribute to the development of novel computational methodologies and workflows.
• Analyze and visualize complex datasets derived from simulations and experimental studies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and research publications.
• Stay current with advancements in computational chemistry, drug discovery, and related fields.

Skills

Python scripting

Molecular modeling

Data analysis

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD in Computational Chemistry

Tools

Gaussian

Schrödinger Suite

AMBER

NAMD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in pharmaceutical research and development, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Computational Chemist to join their innovative team. This position is critical in leveraging computational methodologies to accelerate drug discovery and optimize chemical processes. Operating in a fully remote capacity, you will contribute to cutting-edge research projects, applying advanced techniques in molecular modeling, quantum chemistry, and cheminformatics. The role demands a profound understanding of theoretical chemistry principles and extensive experience with computational chemistry software packages. You will collaborate closely with experimental chemists and biologists, translating complex computational insights into actionable strategies for new therapeutic development. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on global health from the convenience of your own location, contributing to groundbreaking scientific advancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform high-level quantum mechanical and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate chemical reactions and molecular properties.
• Develop and apply computational models for predicting molecular behavior, binding affinities, and reaction pathways.
• Utilize cheminformatics tools for virtual screening, lead optimization, and QSAR studies.
• Collaborate with experimental teams to design and interpret experiments based on computational predictions.
• Contribute to the development of novel computational methodologies and workflows.
• Analyze and visualize complex datasets derived from simulations and experimental studies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and research publications.
• Stay current with advancements in computational chemistry, drug discovery, and related fields.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in computational chemistry.
• Expertise in quantum chemistry calculations (e.g., DFT, ab initio methods) and molecular mechanics simulations.
• Proficiency with major computational chemistry software packages (e.g., Gaussian, Schrödinger suite, AMBER, NAMD).
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with scripting for workflow automation.
• Familiarity with cheminformatics databases and tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, effective in a remote setting.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple research projects simultaneously.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement plan, and paid time off. We provide significant opportunities for professional development, including support for attending scientific conferences, workshops, and access to advanced computational resources. The company culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance, fostering a supportive remote environment. This is an outstanding opportunity to advance your career in computational chemistry and contribute to impactful drug discovery research.