Senior Organic Chemist - Pharmaceutical Synthesis

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

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity within the scientific research and development landscape, is actively seeking an accomplished Senior Organic Chemist to join their innovative team in Durban . This critical role focuses on the design, synthesis, and optimization of complex organic molecules for pharmaceutical applications. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of synthetic organic chemistry principles and a demonstrated ability to execute multi-step synthesis projects from conception to completion. You will be instrumental in advancing our client's drug discovery pipeline, working within a cutting-edge laboratory environment. This position offers the chance to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and contribute to projects with significant therapeutic potential. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment that encourages scientific rigor, creativity, and professional development. The Durban location provides a unique blend of professional opportunity and a desirable coastal lifestyle, contributing to a balanced work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute novel synthetic routes for complex organic molecules, including potential drug candidates.
• Perform multi-step synthesis, purification, and characterization of target compounds.
• Optimize reaction conditions to improve yields, purity, and scalability.
• Utilize a range of modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques and analytical methods (NMR, MS, HPLC, GC).
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Collaborate effectively with medicinal chemists, analytical chemists, and biologists.
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks and research reports.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through patentable inventions.
• Ensure adherence to all laboratory safety guidelines and protocols.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in synthetic organic chemistry and relevant literature.

Requirements

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry, preferably within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven expertise in designing and executing complex, multi-step syntheses.
• Strong proficiency in modern organic synthesis techniques and reaction mechanisms.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as NMR, Mass Spectrometry, HPLC, and GC for compound characterization.
• Familiarity with process chemistry and scale-up considerations is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented research setting.
• Demonstrated track record of contributions to research projects.
• Must possess the legal right to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package designed to attract top talent, along with performance-based bonuses and annual reviews.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance are provided.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick leave, is standard.
• We support continuous professional development through training programs, workshops, and conference attendance.
• Access to advanced synthetic and analytical laboratory equipment is assured.
• This role is based in the vibrant coastal city of Durban , offering a desirable work-life balance.
• Relocation assistance may be available for highly qualified candidates.