Senior Lead Medicinal Chemist – Hybrid & Growth

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking an experienced Lead Medicinal Chemist for our client, a pharmaceutical research organization, to lead design, synthesis and optimization of novel small molecules. You will mentor a team of chemists and shape project strategy in drug discovery.

The role emphasizes collaboration with biologists, pharmacologists and DMPK, with emphasis on SAR, molecular modelling, and structure-based design.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry with a strong publication record.
• 8+ years of post-doctoral and/or industrial experience in drug discovery with proven leadership.
• Experience designing and synthesizing complex organic molecules.
• Deep understanding of SAR and molecular modelling.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Solid understanding of drug discovery principles and development processes.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience with diverse therapeutic areas is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of medicinal chemists in the design and synthesis of novel drug candidates.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for hit-to-lead and lead optimization programs.
• Design and synthesize diverse compound libraries targeting key disease areas.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK scientists to advance projects.
• Utilize computational chemistry tools and structure-based drug design principles.
• Oversee and interpret synthetic chemistry results, guiding routes and problem-solving.
• Manage external synthesis collaborations and ensure timely delivery of high-quality compounds.
• Contribute to IP through patent applications and publications.

Skills

Leadership

Drug discovery

SAR modelling

Molecular modelling

Collaboration

Communication

Education

PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

Computational chemistry tools

Job description

Our client, a forward-thinking pharmaceutical research organization based in Pretoria, is actively seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Medicinal Chemist. This senior role is central to our drug discovery efforts, focusing on the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules for therapeutic intervention. The Lead Medicinal Chemist will guide a team of talented chemists, drive project strategy, and contribute significantly to the advancement of our pipeline. You will work at the forefront of chemical biology and drug design, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. This position represents an exceptional opportunity to shape innovative projects and contribute to the development of life-changing medicines within a collaborative and scientifically rigorous environment.

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking pharmaceutical research organization based in Pretoria, is actively seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Medicinal Chemist. This senior role is central to our drug discovery efforts, focusing on the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules for therapeutic intervention. The Lead Medicinal Chemist will guide a team of talented chemists, drive project strategy, and contribute significantly to the advancement of our pipeline. You will work at the forefront of chemical biology and drug design, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. This position represents an exceptional opportunity to shape innovative projects and contribute to the development of life-changing medicines within a collaborative and scientifically rigorous environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of medicinal chemists in the design and synthesis of novel drug candidates.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for hit-to-lead and lead optimization programs.
• Design and synthesize diverse compound libraries targeting key disease areas.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK scientists to advance projects.
• Utilize computational chemistry tools and structure-based drug design principles.
• Oversee and interpret synthetic chemistry results, guiding synthetic routes and problem-solving.
• Manage external synthesis collaborations and ensure timely delivery of high-quality compounds.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through patent applications and scientific publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry with a strong publication record.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral and/or industrial experience in drug discovery, with proven leadership experience.
• Extensive experience in designing and synthesizing complex organic molecules.
• Deep understanding of SAR (Structure-Activity Relationships) and molecular modeling.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent understanding of drug discovery principles and the drug development process.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience with diverse therapeutic areas is a plus.

Benefits

We offer a highly competitive salary package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and a substantial retirement fund. Our client provides significant opportunities for professional growth through advanced training, conference attendance, and participation in industry-leading research. This hybrid role allows for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, supporting a healthy work-life balance. The position is based in our modern Pretoria research facility, equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation. Join a team dedicated to innovation and making a real difference in patient lives.