Senior Medicinal Chemist

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Senior Medicinal Chemist to lead design, synthesis, and SAR optimization within drug discovery programs. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to identify and advance compounds from lead identification to preclinical candidate selection in a hybrid Upington-based role.

The role requires a PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry and at least 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience, with a strong track record in small-molecule synthesis and SAR

Qualifications

• PhD required in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry.
• 5+ years post-PhD experience in medicinal chemistry drug discovery.
• Proven track record in synthesizing diverse structures and optimizing compounds.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel small molecules for therapeutic targets.
• Optimize lead compounds through iterative cycles of design, synthesis, and testing (potency, selectivity, PK).
• Develop and troubleshoot synthetic routes for complex molecules.
• Collaborate with Biologists and Pharmacologists to interpret SAR and guide design.
• Utilize computational chemistry tools to aid design and strategy.
• Stay updated on medicinal chemistry advances and perform literature searches.
• Document procedures and results in lab notebooks and reports.
• Present findings at internal meetings and potentially conferences.
• Contribute to IP strategy via patent filings.

Skills

Medicinal chemistry

SAR analysis

Computational chemistry

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

Computational chemistry software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and research-driven pharmaceutical company, is seeking a highly innovative Senior Medicinal Chemist to contribute to their drug discovery programs. This role involves the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecule drug candidates. You will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK scientists to identify and develop compounds with potential therapeutic applications. The position operates under a hybrid model, combining focused laboratory work with strategic remote planning and analysis. A strong background in organic synthesis and a deep understanding of structure-activity relationships (SAR) are essential. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on the development of new medicines. Your expertise will be key in advancing our pipeline from lead identification through to preclinical candidate selection. This role is based in the Upington area, requiring occasional office presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel small molecules for therapeutic targets identified by the company.
• Optimize lead compounds through iterative cycles of design, synthesis, and biological testing, focusing on potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties.
• Develop and troubleshoot synthetic routes for complex molecules.
• Collaborate closely with biologists and pharmacologists to interpret SAR and guide compound design.
• Utilize computational chemistry tools and databases to aid in molecular design and strategy.
• Perform literature searches and stay abreast of the latest advancements in medicinal chemistry and relevant therapeutic areas.
• Document experimental procedures and results meticulously in laboratory notebooks and reports.
• Present findings at internal project meetings and potentially at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the intellectual property strategy through patent filings.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in medicinal chemistry drug discovery.
• Proven track record of synthesizing diverse chemical structures and optimizing compounds in a drug discovery setting.
• Expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques and a broad range of reaction methodologies.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery principles, including SAR, ADME/Tox properties, and target validation.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data clearly.
• Experience with computational chemistry software is beneficial.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Must be able to commute to the Upington office for designated laboratory work and team meetings.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary complemented by performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off are included.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance and advanced training, are actively encouraged.
• This hybrid role provides a dynamic work environment.