Senior Organic Chemist for Drug Discovery (Durban)

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a Senior Organic Chemist to design, synthesize, and optimize complex organic molecules for pharmaceutical purposes. The role emphasizes multi-step synthesis, rigorous analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams in a cutting-edge lab.

The successful candidate will lead synthetic projects from concept to completion, contribute to drug discovery, and stay abreast of the latest developments in synthetic organic chemistry in a dynamic Durban environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or closely related field.
• 5+ years hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry, preferably in pharma.
• Proven ability to design and execute complex multi-step syntheses.
• Skilled in NMR, MS, HPLC, and GC.
• Knowledge of process chemistry and scale-up is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to work independently and in teams.
• Legal right to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute novel synthetic routes for complex molecules.
• Perform multi-step synthesis, purification, and characterization.
• Optimize reaction conditions to improve yields, purity, and scalability.
• Use modern synthesis techniques and analytical methods (NMR, MS, HPLC, GC).
• Troubleshoot challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, analytical chemists, and biologists.
• Maintain accurate notebooks and research reports.
• Contribute to IP through patentable inventions.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory safety guidelines.
• Stay current with advancements in synthetic organic chemistry.

Skills

Synthesis design

Multi-step synthesis

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Independence

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Job description

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a Senior Organic Chemist to design, synthesize, and optimize complex organic molecules for pharmaceutical purposes. The role emphasizes multi-step synthesis, rigorous analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams in a cutting-edge lab.

The successful candidate will lead synthetic projects from concept to completion, contribute to drug discovery, and stay abreast of the latest developments in synthetic organic chemistry in a dynamic Durban environment.