Senior Organic Chemist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Bonuses

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Organic Chemist to lead synthetic projects in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. You will design multi-step routes, optimize conditions, and supervise junior staff while contributing to medicinal chemistry strategies.

The role requires a PhD in Organic Chemistry with 5+ years of experience, strong synthesis skills, and collaboration across R&D teams in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or closely related field.
• 5+ years post-PhD in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Expertise in modern synthetic methodologies and catalysis.
• Experience designing complex synthetic sequences.
• Strong spectroscopic and purification skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute multi-step synthetic routes for target compounds.
• Optimize reaction conditions for yield, purity, and scalability.
• Purify and characterize compounds using NMR, MS, IR and HPLC.
• Develop and troubleshoot synthetic procedures.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists and biologists on drug candidates.
• Lead projects, set milestones and mentor junior chemists.
• Maintain thorough lab records and report results.

Skills

Strong problem-solving

Clear communication

Independent work

Mentoring

Project leadership

NMR

MS

IR

Chromatography (HPLC)

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

IR

HPLC/Chromatography

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking pharmaceutical research company, is actively recruiting a highly accomplished Senior Organic Chemist to join their dynamic research and development team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This role is central to the design and synthesis of novel small molecules with potential therapeutic applications. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of synthetic organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and purification techniques. You will be responsible for leading synthetic projects, mentoring junior chemists, and contributing to the strategic direction of drug discovery efforts. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of medicinal chemistry in a collaborative and innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute multi-step synthetic routes for complex organic molecules, including target compounds and intermediates.
• Optimize reaction conditions to improve yield, purity, and scalability of synthetic processes.
• Purify and characterize synthesized compounds using techniques such as chromatography (column, HPLC), crystallization, and spectroscopy (NMR, MS, IR).
• Develop and troubleshoot synthetic procedures, identifying and resolving synthetic challenges.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists and biologists to design and synthesize novel drug candidates.
• Independently manage research projects, setting timelines and milestones.
• Mentor and guide junior chemists in laboratory techniques and synthetic strategies.
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records, including experimental procedures, observations, and results.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, patent applications, and scientific publications.
• Stay current with the latest literature and advancements in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry.

Requirements

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or relevant industry experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Demonstrated expertise in modern synthetic methodologies, including asymmetric synthesis, organometallic chemistry, and catalysis.
• Proven ability to design and execute complex synthetic sequences.
• Extensive experience with spectroscopic techniques (NMR, MS) and chromatographic purification methods.
• Strong understanding of reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a meticulous approach to experimental work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with your experience and qualifications, along with performance-related bonuses.
• A comprehensive benefits package includes excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and public holidays, supports work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, such as attending scientific conferences and workshops, are actively encouraged.
• This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining office-based lab work with remote flexibility, located in the scenic setting of Mossel Bay, Western Cape .
• Retirement savings plans are also provided.