Senior Computational Chemist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900.000 - 1.300.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Hybrid work model

Cutting-edge software licenses

Conference attendance

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 in Pretoria, South Africa, seeks a Senior Computational Chemist to advance drug discovery using state-of-the-art modeling. This hybrid role blends office and remote days at our Gauteng facility, in a collaborative R&D team.

You will design drug candidates, develop QSAR models, and apply docking, MD, and QM/MM methods. You’ll work with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to translate data into therapies, with Python scripting and HPC experience essential.

Qualifikationen

• PhD in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, or related discipline.
• Minimum 6 years of post-doctoral or industrial experience in computational drug discovery.
• Strong molecular modeling, simulation, and data analysis capabilities.
• Programming experience in Python; scripting for automation is advantageous.

Aufgaben

• Apply computational chemistry techniques to design and optimize drug molecules.
• Develop and validate QSAR and other predictive models.
• Utilize cheminformatics tools for library design, virtual screening, and data analysis.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to guide synthesis and interpret results.
• Work with biologists and pharmacologists to understand targets and pathways.
• Analyze large datasets to identify trends and opportunities.
• Develop and maintain databases for structures, properties, and activities.
• Stay current with advancements in computational chemistry and software tools.
• Contribute to patent applications and scientific publications.
• Communicate complex findings to multidisciplinary teams in Gauteng.

Kenntnisse

Molecular modelling

Python scripting

Team collaboration

HPC experience

Ausbildung

PhD in Computational Chemistry or related

6+ years post-doctoral or industrial experience

Tools

Schrodinger

MOE

Amber

GROMACS

Cheminformatics tools

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative therapies, is seeking a Senior Computational Chemist to join their esteemed research and development team. This hybrid role is based in Pretoria, Gauteng . You will play a critical role in the drug discovery process, employing state-of-the-art computational methods to design novel drug candidates and optimize their properties. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in molecular modeling, cheminformatics, and QSAR analysis, with a deep understanding of organic chemistry and pharmacology. You will collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to accelerate the identification and development of new medicines. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to life-saving research in a collaborative and scientifically rigorous environment within South Africa , working a mix of remote and office-based days in Pretoria .

Key Responsibilities

• Apply computational chemistry techniques, including molecular dynamics, docking, and QM/MM methods, to design and optimize potential drug molecules.
• Develop and validate quantitative structure‑activity relationship (QSAR) models and other predictive models.
• Utilize cheminformatics tools for compound library design, virtual screening, and data analysis.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to guide synthesis efforts and interpret experimental results.
• Work with biologists and pharmacologists to understand target mechanisms and disease pathways.
• Analyze large datasets of chemical and biological information to identify trends and opportunities.
• Develop and maintain databases for chemical structures, properties, and biological activities.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in computational chemistry, drug discovery, and relevant software tools.
• Contribute to patent applications and scientific publications.
• Effectively communicate complex computational findings to multidisciplinary teams in Gauteng .

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, Theoretical Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral or industrial experience in computational drug discovery.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular modeling, simulation, and analysis techniques.
• Proficiency with standard computational chemistry software packages (e.g., Schrodinger, MOE, Amber, GROMACS).
• Strong experience in cheminformatics, including virtual screening, library design, and data mining.
• Solid understanding of organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and basic principles of pharmacology.
• Experience with programming languages such as Python and scripting for automation is highly beneficial.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented research environment.
• Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) environments is desirable for this hybrid role in Pretoria .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, and a generous retirement savings plan.
• You will have access to cutting-edge computational resources and extensive software licenses.
• Opportunities for professional growth, including attending scientific conferences and workshops, are provided.
• Join a dynamic research team making significant contributions to medicine in Pretoria .
• We offer a flexible hybrid work model and a stimulating environment for scientific innovation.
• This role is based in our state-of-the-art research facility located in Gauteng , South Africa .