Senior Computational Scientist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Benoni; Sur place; ZAR 1 100 000 - 1 500 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary & bonuses

Health insurance

Training & conference funding

Generous annual leave & wellness

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Computational Scientist to join a leading biopharmaceutical drug discovery team in Benoni, Gauteng. You will apply advanced computational methods to biological and chemical data, collaborating with chemists, biologists and pharmacologists to design experiments and build predictive models.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in computational chemistry or cheminformatics, 5+ years in drug discovery, and strong expertise in modeling, docking and QSAR, with Python and

Qualifications

• PhD in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in computational drug discovery in pharma/biotech.
• Strong modeling, docking, and QSAR expertise.

Responsabilités

• Develop and apply computational methods for molecular modeling and structure-based drug design.
• Utilize cheminformatics tools and databases to analyze chemical libraries and identify leads.
• Build predictive models for ADMET, efficacy, and target engagement.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to guide compound design and optimization.
• Analyze large datasets from HTS, omics, and in vivo studies.
• Develop data analysis workflows and pipelines for drug discovery projects.
• Communicate complex computational findings to cross-functional teams.
• Stay updated on emerging computational techniques in drug discovery.
• Contribute to IP development through patent filings.
• Manage projects and ensure timely computational support.

Connaissances

Python scripting

Data analysis

Machine learning

Communication skills

Formation

PhD in Computational Chemistry / Cheminformatics / Pharmaceutical Sciences

Outils

Schrodinger

MOE

OpenEye

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a leading biopharmaceutical company, is looking for a highly motivated Senior Computational Scientist to join their innovative drug discovery team in **Benoni, Gauteng**. This role is central to accelerating the identification and development of novel therapeutics by applying advanced computational methods and data analytics to complex biological and chemical data. You will collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to design experiments, analyze data, and build predictive models. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in computational chemistry, cheminformatics, or a related field, with proven experience in drug discovery research. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact on patient health within a cutting-edge research environment. We foster a collaborative and dynamic atmosphere that encourages scientific rigor and innovation. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting the value we place on scientific expertise at our **Benoni, Gauteng** site.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply computational methods for molecular modeling, virtual screening, and structure-based drug design.
• Utilize cheminformatics tools and databases to analyze chemical libraries and identify promising lead compounds.
• Build predictive models for ADMET properties, efficacy, and target engagement.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to guide compound design and optimization strategies.
• Analyze and interpret large datasets from high-throughput screening, omics studies, and in vivo experiments.
• Develop and implement data analysis workflows and pipelines for drug discovery projects.
• Communicate complex computational findings effectively to cross-functional research teams.
• Stay abreast of emerging computational techniques and their application in drug discovery.
• Contribute to intellectual property development through patent filings.
• Manage projects and ensure timely delivery of computational support for research initiatives.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in computational drug discovery within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Strong expertise in molecular modeling, docking, pharmacophore modeling, and QSAR.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python) and computational chemistry software (e.g., Schrodinger, MOE, OpenEye).
• Experience with large-scale data analysis and machine learning techniques applied to chemical and biological data.
• Familiarity with databases for chemical compounds and biological targets.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information clearly.
• Experience working in **Benoni, Gauteng** or a similar research hub is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and potential stock options.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans are provided, along with a generous retirement savings plan.
• We are committed to employee development, offering funding for relevant training, workshops, and conference attendance.
• Generous annual leave, sick leave, and paid public holidays contribute to a healthy work-life balance.
• The **Benoni, Gauteng** campus provides state-of-the-art research facilities and a highly collaborative team environment.
• Additional perks include subsidized meals and access to wellness programs.