Senior Medicinal Chemist & Leader, Hybrid Durban

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Performance bonus

Health, vision & dental insurance

Retirement savings plan

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Medicinal Chemist for a renowned pharmaceutical research organization in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Lead design, synthesis, and optimization of novel therapeutic candidates within a collaborative discovery team.

The role emphasizes SAR-driven lead optimization, modern synthetic methods, and cross-functional collaboration with biology and pharmacology. Mentorship and IP contribution are key aspects.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or closely related field.
• 8+ years of medicinal chemistry experience in pharma/biotech.
• Proven track record in designing/synthesizing novel compounds with activity.
• Expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry including asymmetric synthesis and catalysis.
• Strong SAR, ADME understanding and drug discovery strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and synthesis of novel small molecules for therapeutic targets.
• Develop and execute complex multi-step synthetic routes for target compounds.
• Optimize lead compounds based on SAR data, ADME, and PK data.
• Utilize modern synthetic chemistry techniques and instrumentation.
• Collaborate with biology, pharmacology, and DMPK teams.

Skills

SAR understanding

Leadership

Mentoring

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry

Tools

Cheminformatics tools

Computational chemistry

Job description

About the Role Our client, a renowned pharmaceutical research organization, is looking for a Principal Medicinal Chemist to join their innovative drug discovery team in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This senior position offers the chance to lead complex synthetic chemistry projects aimed at identifying and optimizing novel therapeutic agents. You will play a crucial role in designing, synthesizing, and characterizing new chemical entities with potential pharmacological activity. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of synthetic organic chemistry, structure-activity relationships (SAR), and drug design principles. You will work in a state-of-the‑art research facility, collaborating closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and other chemists to advance drug candidates through the discovery pipeline. This role is pivotal for driving innovation and contributing to the development of next‑generation medicines. We are seeking a leader who can provide strategic direction, mentor junior chemists, and ensure the successful execution of challenging synthesis programs. Your expertise will be key to unlocking new therapeutic opportunities for patients in need. This exciting role is based in beautiful Durban .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and synthesis of novel small molecules for therapeutic targets.
• Develop and execute complex multi‑step synthetic routes for target compounds.
• Optimize lead compounds based on SAR data, ADME properties, and pharmacokinetic profiles.
• Utilize modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques and instrumentation.
• Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams including biology, pharmacology, and DMPK.
• Interpret spectroscopic data (NMR, MS, IR) and chromatographic data to confirm compound identity and purity.
• Manage outsourced synthesis projects and external collaborations effectively.
• Mentor and guide junior medicinal chemists, fostering scientific excellence and career development.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through patent applications and scientific publications.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in synthetic methodology and medicinal chemistry.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in medicinal chemistry within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proven track record of designing and synthesizing novel compounds with demonstrated biological activity.
• Expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry, including asymmetric synthesis and catalysis.
• Strong understanding of SAR, ADME principles, and drug discovery strategies.
• Experience with cheminformatics tools and computational chemistry is advantageous.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present scientific findings clearly.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience mentoring scientific staff.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast‑paced research environment.

Benefits Our client provides a highly competitive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, annual performance bonus, and comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance. We offer generous paid time off, a robust retirement savings plan, and significant opportunities for professional growth and development. Employees will have access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities and cutting‑edge technologies in our Durban research center. This hybrid position allows for flexibility while maintaining essential collaborative efforts within the team.