Senior Organic Chemist - Pharmaceutical Synthesis

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Stock options

Professional development

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Organic Chemist to join the Mossel Bay drug discovery team. You will design and execute complex multi-step syntheses, optimize reactions, and collaborate with medicinal chemists and biologists to advance candidates.

The role requires a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with 5+ years of hands-on experience in synthetic chemistry, plus strong analytical and purification skills in a pharmaceutical environment. Occasional travel and a supportive research facility are offered.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or closely related field.
• Minimum 5 years hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Experience in pharmaceutical/biotech settings preferred.
• Proficiency with 1D/2D NMR, HRMS for characterization.
• Experience with column chromatography, HPLC and crystallization.
• Strong problem-solving and independent work capability.
• Excellent communication and team collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with Mossel Bay region is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute scalable synthetic routes for novel molecules.
• Perform multi-step organic syntheses including asymmetric steps.
• Optimize reaction conditions for yield and stereoselectivity.
• Purify compounds using chromatography and HPLC.
• Characterize compounds with NMR, MS, IR and related methods.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists and biologists to advance candidates.
• Maintain detailed notebooks and prepare technical reports.
• Troubleshoot synthesis challenges and propose solutions.
• Stay current with literature in synthetic and medicinal chemistry.
• Present findings through internal reports and presentations.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

Reaction optimization

Purification techniques

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Tools

Column chromatography

Preparative HPLC

Crystallization

NMR/MS/IR

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative pharmaceutical company, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Organic Chemist to join their drug discovery and development team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This pivotal role will focus on the design and synthesis of novel small molecules with potential therapeutic applications. The successful candidate will possess extensive expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, reaction optimization, and purification techniques. You will be responsible for planning and executing complex multi-step syntheses, characterizing synthesized compounds, and collaborating closely with medicinal chemists and biologists to advance drug candidates through the pipeline. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the development of life‑saving medicines in a stimulating research environment. We are looking for a creative and detail‑oriented scientist with a passion for medicinal chemistry and a proven track record in synthetic route design and execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute efficient and scalable synthetic routes for novel small molecules and lead compounds.
• Perform complex multi-step organic syntheses, including asymmetric synthesis and heterocyclic chemistry.
• Optimize reaction conditions to maximize yield, purity, and stereoselectivity.
• Purify synthesized compounds using various chromatographic techniques (e.g., column chromatography, HPLC).
• Characterize synthesized compounds using modern spectroscopic methods (NMR, MS, IR) and other analytical techniques.
• Collaborate effectively with medicinal chemists to synthesize analogs and explore structure‑activity relationships (SAR).
• Work with biologists to evaluate the pharmacological properties of synthesized compounds.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry literature.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in synthetic organic chemistry, preferably within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in a wide range of organic reactions and synthetic methodologies.
• Proficiency in modern spectroscopic techniques (e.g., 1D/2D NMR, High‑Resolution Mass Spectrometry) for compound characterization.
• Experience with purification techniques such as column chromatography, preparative HPLC, and crystallization.
• Strong understanding of medicinal chemistry principles and drug discovery processes.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with common laboratory software and databases.
• Experience working in the Mossel Bay, Western Cape region is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, including an annual salary, potential for bonuses, and stock options. Employees receive a comprehensive benefits program, encompassing health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan with employer contributions, and life insurance coverage. We are committed to employee growth, offering opportunities for professional development, attending scientific conferences, and continuous learning. Generous paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays, is provided. This position is based at our modern research facility in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . Additional benefits include a vibrant company culture, access to advanced laboratory equipment, and opportunities for career advancement. Our client values diversity and fosters an inclusive work environment.