Senior Medicinal Chemist - Lead Discovery Unit

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan

Training and conference funding

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Medicinal Chemist to lead the drug discovery unit in a hybrid work setting at our Nelspruit facility. You will design, synthesize, and optimize novel small molecules, collaborating with biologists and computational chemists to advance drug candidates.

The role requires a Ph.D. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry and at least 7 years of industry experience, with a strong track record in lead optimization and SAR-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry is required.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in medicinal chemistry within pharma/biotech.
• Proven track record leading drug-discovery projects from hit to lead optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, synthesis and optimization of novel small molecules for therapy.
• Collaborate with biologists, pharmacologists, and computational chemists to SAR.
• Develop novel synthetic routes and execute multi-step syntheses.
• Mentor and manage a team of medicinal chemists and research associates.
• Oversee compound library design and high-throughput synthesis.
• Guide compound optimization using SAR, ADMET insights.

Skills

SAR expertise

ADMET knowledge

Leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

HPLC

Computational chemistry tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering pharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics, is seeking an experienced Senior Medicinal Chemist to lead their drug discovery unit. This role is pivotal in designing and synthesizing novel chemical entities with therapeutic potential. You will be at the forefront of identifying and optimizing drug candidates, contributing directly to the advancement of innovative medicines. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a blend of focused remote work and collaborative, in-lab activities at our state-of-the-art facility in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA. You will work within a dynamic team environment, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and collaborative approaches to tackle complex medicinal chemistry challenges. Join us in making a tangible difference in global health.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules for therapeutic applications. Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and computational chemists to establish structure-activity relationships (SAR). Develop innovative synthetic routes and efficiently execute multi-step syntheses. Utilize advanced medicinal chemistry principles to improve drug properties, including potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic profiles. Manage and mentor a team of medicinal chemists and research associates. Oversee compound library design and synthesis for high-throughput screening. Interpret complex biological and chemical data to guide compound optimization strategies. Author and contribute to scientific publications, patents, and regulatory filings. Present research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences. Ensure adherence to best practices in laboratory safety and chemical synthesis. Stay current with the latest advancements in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery technologies. Contribute to the strategic direction and pipeline planning for the discovery unit.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry. Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in medicinal chemistry within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. Proven track record of leading drug discovery projects from hit identification to lead optimization. Extensive experience in designing and synthesizing novel chemical entities. Strong understanding of SAR, ADMET properties, and rational drug design principles. Proficiency in modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques and analytical methods (NMR, MS, HPLC). Experience with computational chemistry tools for drug design is a plus. Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. Demonstrated leadership capabilities and the ability to mentor junior scientists. Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a hybrid team setting. Strong written and oral presentation skills.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, coupled with performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance. We provide a generous retirement savings plan and life insurance. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth and development, including funding for conferences and training. The hybrid work model provides flexibility. Our client is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work culture and supports a healthy work-life balance through ample paid time off.