Senior Computational Chemist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Remote work environment

Professional development opportunities

Cutting-edge computational resources

Job summary

Our client Placements24 seeks a Senior Computational Chemist for a fully remote role in South Africa. The role focuses on developing computational models, drug discovery, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to accelerate research. Strong background in theoretical chemistry and cheminformatics is essential.

The position emphasizes independence, mentorship, and ongoing methodological development within a world-class research environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computational Chemistry or related field.
• Min 5 years in computational chemistry for drug discovery.
• Expertise with molecular modeling and cheminformatics tools.
• Scripting in Python or Perl; HPC experience.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply models for docking, virtual screening, QSAR, and MD.
• Design novel compounds in silico and predict properties.
• Analyze large datasets to identify promising candidates.
• Collaborate with chemists and biologists to guide experiments.
• Contribute to new computational methods and software tools.
• Present findings to internal and external teams.
• Mentor junior computational chemists.

Skills

PhD in Computational Chem

Molecular modeling

Cheminformatics tools

Python

Perl

Scripting in HPC

Publications track record

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Computational Chemistry

Tools

Schrödinger

MOE

AMBER

GROMACS

Job description

Our client, a world-renowned leader in pharmaceutical research and development, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Computational Chemist to join their innovative team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA. This critical role involves leveraging advanced computational methods to design, discover, and optimize novel therapeutic agents. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in theoretical chemistry, molecular modeling, and cheminformatics, with a passion for applying these skills to solve complex drug discovery challenges. You will work collaboratively with experimental chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to accelerate the drug development pipeline. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to life-saving research in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment, utilizing state-of-the-art computational resources and infrastructure. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of scientific excellence and providing employees with the tools and support needed to excel.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply computational models for molecular docking, virtual screening, QSAR, and molecular dynamics simulations.
• Design and synthesize novel compounds through in silico methods, predicting their properties and biological activity.
• Analyze and interpret large chemical and biological datasets to identify promising drug candidates.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists and biologists to guide experimental design and interpretation of results.
• Contribute to the development of new computational methodologies and software tools.
• Present research findings and technical reports to internal teams and external collaborators.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in computational chemistry, cheminformatics, and drug discovery.
• Mentor junior computational chemists and provide technical expertise to research teams.
• Manage research projects, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met.
• Maintain accurate and organized documentation of computational workflows and results.

This role is fully remote, requiring a dedicated home office setup.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, Theoretical Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in computational chemistry, with a focus on drug discovery.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular modeling software (e.g., Schrödinger, MOE, AMBER, GROMACS) and cheminformatics tools.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Perl) and experience with high-performance computing environments.
• Strong understanding of organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology.
• Proven ability to design and execute complex computational studies and interpret results.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Track record of publications in reputable scientific journals is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, including annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided, along with a robust retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays, is standard.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development, including conference attendance and specialized training, are encouraged.
• We foster a flexible and supportive remote work environment, empowering our employees to achieve a healthy work‑life balance.
• Access to cutting‑edge computational resources is guaranteed.