Senior Computational Chemist

Placements24; Soweto; Sur place; ZAR 900 000 - 1 300 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Annual bonus

Health benefits

Paid time off

Retirement savings plan

Résumé du poste

Placements24 seeks a Senior Computational Chemist to join its multidisciplinary R&D team in Soweto. The role focuses on leveraging computational methods to drive drug discovery and optimize chemical processes, with emphasis on molecular modeling, QSAR, and virtual screening.

Ideal candidates hold a Ph.D. with 5–7 years in computational chemistry, proficient in Schrodinger, MOE, and Python, and able to communicate complex results to both computational and experimental teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, Physical Chemistry, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of 5–7 years of experience in computational chemistry, preferably in pharma/biotech.
• Strong experience with molecular modeling, virtual screening, and QSAR.
• Proficiency in Python and data analysis; ability to communicate results clearly.

Responsabilités

• Develop and apply computational chemistry techniques to support drug discovery programs.
• Design and analyze virtual screening campaigns to identify lead compounds.
• Assist in rational design of molecules with improved properties.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, and other computational scientists to integrate insights.
• Maintain cheminformatics databases and analysis tools.
• Evaluate new software and methodologies for computational chemistry.
• Present results to computational and experimental teams.
• Stay updated on advances via literature and conferences.

Connaissances

Molecular modeling

QSAR modeling

Virtual screening

Python scripting

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Formation

Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry or related field

Outils

Schrodinger

MOE

Discovery Studio

Amber

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge pharmaceutical research company, is seeking a Senior Computational Chemist to join their multidisciplinary R&D team in Soweto . This role is pivotal in leveraging computational methods to drive drug discovery and optimize chemical processes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in computational chemistry, cheminformatics, and molecular modeling, coupled with practical experience in applying these skills to solve complex chemical problems. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the design of novel therapeutic agents and enhance chemical understanding within a collaborative and innovative environment. You will play a key role in guiding computational strategies and providing crucial insights from our Soweto research hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply computational chemistry techniques, including molecular modeling, docking, QM/MM calculations, and QSAR, to support drug discovery programs.


• Design and analyze virtual screening campaigns to identify potential lead compounds.


• Assist in the rational design of molecules with improved efficacy, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties.


• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and other computational scientists to integrate computational insights into project strategies.


• Develop and maintain cheminformatics databases and analysis tools.


• Evaluate and implement new computational chemistry software and methodologies.


• Interpret and present computational results clearly and concisely to both computational and experimental teams.


• Stay current with the latest advancements in computational chemistry, cheminformatics, and related fields through literature review and conference participation.


• Contribute to internal reports, publications, and potentially patent applications arising from computational studies conducted in Soweto .

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, Physical Chemistry, or a related field.


• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in computational chemistry, preferably within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.


• Strong expertise in molecular modeling software packages (e.g., Schrodinger, MOE, Discovery Studio, Amber).


• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python) and experience with data analysis and visualization tools.


• Solid understanding of quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, and their application in chemistry.


• Experience with virtual screening, structure-based drug design, and QSAR modeling.


• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a meticulous approach to data analysis.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.


• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results in a timely manner from our Soweto site.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with an annual bonus structure.


• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, are provided.


• We are committed to employee development, offering opportunities for continuous learning, attendance at scientific conferences, and access to advanced computational resources.


• Generous paid time off, including annual leave and sick leave, is offered.


• The role is based in Soweto, providing access to a collaborative research environment and state-of-the-art facilities.


• Our client prioritizes work-life balance and offers a supportive atmosphere.


• Opportunities for career advancement within the organization are significant.


• A retirement savings plan is also available.