Senior Organic Chemist

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Career advancement

Modern lab

Conference attendance

Paid time off

Work-life balance

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in East London, Eastern Cape, is seeking a Senior Organic Chemist to lead design and synthesis of novel organic molecules for pharma, agrochemical, and materials applications. You will develop synthetic routes, optimize conditions, and mentor junior chemists in a collaborative R&D setting.

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with at least six years of post‑doctoral or industrial experience, extensive hands-on expertise in a broad range of reactions,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral or industrial research experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Extensive hands-on experience with a wide range of organic reactions and transformations.
• Proficiency in modern synthetic techniques and purification methods.
• Strong knowledge of organic reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry.
• Experience with spectroscopic characterization techniques (NMR, MS, IR, UV-Vis).
• Familiarity with common laboratory software for data analysis and literature searching.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex multi-step synthetic routes for novel organic molecules.
• Optimize reaction conditions to improve yield, purity, and scalability.
• Purify synthesized compounds using column chromatography, recrystallization, and distillation.
• Characterize synthesized compounds using spectroscopic methods (NMR, MS, IR).
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and identify alternative pathways.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemists and process chemists.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and prepare technical reports.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in synthetic organic chemistry and related fields.
• Mentor and guide junior chemists in synthetic methodologies and laboratory practices.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

Reaction mechanisms

Purification techniques

NMR

MS

IR

UV-Vis

Data analysis

Literature search

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

WhatJobs Direct is seeking an innovative Senior Organic Chemist to join our dynamic research and development team in East London, Eastern Cape . This role is crucial for the design and synthesis of novel organic molecules with potential applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and advanced materials. You will leverage your extensive knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and purification techniques to drive discovery projects forward. The ideal candidate possesses a strong track record of successfully developing synthetic routes and producing complex organic compounds. This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative research environment, contribute to cutting-edge projects, and mentor junior chemists. We are looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual passionate about organic synthesis and its applications. The role is based in East London , within a stimulating scientific setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex multi-step synthetic routes for novel organic molecules.
• Optimize reaction conditions to improve yield, purity, and scalability.
• Purify synthesized compounds using techniques such as column chromatography, recrystallization, and distillation.
• Characterize synthesized compounds using spectroscopic methods (NMR, MS, IR) and other analytical techniques.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and identify alternative reaction pathways.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemists and process chemists.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and prepare technical reports.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in synthetic organic chemistry and related fields.
• Mentor and guide junior chemists in synthetic methodologies and laboratory practices.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral or industrial research experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Extensive hands-on experience with a wide range of organic reactions and transformations.
• Proficiency in modern synthetic techniques and purification methods.
• Strong knowledge of organic reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry.
• Experience with spectroscopic characterization techniques (NMR, MS, IR, UV-Vis).
• Familiarity with common laboratory software for data analysis and literature searching.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, a retirement savings plan, and opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• You will work in a modern laboratory facility in East London , contributing to exciting research projects.
• We provide support for attending scientific conferences and workshops.
• Generous paid time off and a commitment to work-life balance are also offered.