Senior Computational Scientist - Cheminformatics

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900.000 - 1.350.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Highly competitive salary and bonus

Comprehensive health, dental, and life

Retirement savings plan

Hybrid work environment and training

Access to cutting-edge computational资源

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Computational Scientist in Randburg for a hybrid role focused on cheminformatics in drug discovery. You will develop computational models, manage chemical datasets, and collaborate with chemists and biologists to accelerate candidate design.

The role requires a PhD in a related field and at least 5 years of experience with Python, RDKit/Open Babel, and molecular modeling tools.

Qualifikationen

• PhD in Cheminformatics or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in computational chemistry or cheminformatics in pharma/biotech.
• Proficiency in Python and RDKit/Open Babel.
• Experience with molecular modeling and QSAR workflows.

Aufgaben

• Develop and apply computational chemistry and cheminformatics techniques to support drug discovery programs.
• Design, build, and maintain databases of chemical compounds and properties.
• Implement QSAR models and other predictive computational models.
• Utilize molecular modeling and simulation techniques to analyze molecular interactions and properties.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to design new molecules with desired properties.
• Analyze large chemical datasets to identify trends, patterns, and potential leads.
• Develop and optimize workflows for virtual screening and library design.
• Communicate computational findings to cross-functional teams.
• Stay abreast of developments in cheminformatics and drug discovery.

Kenntnisse

Python programming

QSAR & ML techniques

Molecular modeling & docking

Data analysis & statistics

Cross-functional communication

Ausbildung

PhD in Cheminformatics or related field

Tools

RDKit

Open Babel

Molecular docking software

Molecular dynamics software

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a leader in drug discovery and development, is seeking an experienced Senior Computational Scientist with expertise in Cheminformatics. This hybrid role, based in Randburg , combines on-site collaboration with remote flexibility. You will play a critical role in applying computational methods to chemical data, supporting the design and optimization of novel drug candidates. Your responsibilities will include developing and implementing computational models, managing large chemical datasets, and collaborating with medicinal chemists and biologists. This position is vital for accelerating our drug discovery pipeline, requiring a deep understanding of computational chemistry principles and practical experience with relevant software tools. You will be integral to shaping our computational strategy and driving innovation in the search for new therapeutics.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply computational chemistry and cheminformatics techniques to support drug discovery programs.
• Design, build, and maintain databases of chemical compounds and associated properties.
• Implement quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models and other predictive computational models.
• Utilize molecular modeling and simulation techniques to analyze molecular interactions and properties.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to design new molecules with desired properties.
• Analyze large chemical datasets to identify trends, patterns, and potential leads.
• Develop and optimize workflows for virtual screening and compound library design.
• Communicate computational findings and recommendations to cross-functional research teams.
• Stay abreast of new developments in cheminformatics, computational chemistry, and drug discovery.
• Mentor junior computational scientists and contribute to team expertise.

Requirements

• PhD in Cheminformatics, Computational Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in computational chemistry or cheminformatics within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, and experience with cheminformatics toolkits (e.g., RDKit, Open Babel).
• Strong experience with molecular modeling software and techniques (e.g., docking, molecular dynamics).
• Knowledge of QSAR, machine learning, and statistical analysis applied to chemical data.
• Experience managing and querying chemical databases.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to interpret complex computational results.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience working in a hybrid team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to successful drug discovery projects.
• Familiarity with biological targets and drug discovery processes.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan and company match.
• Extensive opportunities for professional growth, including conference attendance and advanced training.
• A dynamic hybrid work environment fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Access to cutting-edge computational resources and drug discovery technologies.
• The chance to contribute to the development of life‑saving medicines.