Senior Organic Chemist - Synthesis

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan with company match

Paid time off

Professional growth opportunities

Welkom, Free State location

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom, Free State, seeks a Senior Organic Chemist focused on synthesis to advance pharmaceutical targets. You will design multi-step routes, optimize reactions, and work across medicinal, analytical, and process chemistry teams in a collaborative R&D setting.

The role requires a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry and at least 5 years of hands-on pharma/biotech synthesis experience, with strong English communication and a track record of delivering challenging targets.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or closely related field.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on synthetic organic chemistry experience in pharma/biotech.
• Experience with asymmetric synthesis, organometallics and heterocycles.
• Proficiency in spectroscopic/chromatographic techniques for characterization.
• Strong problem-solving and meticulous experimental approach.
• Excellent English communication and ability to work both independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute multi-step synthetic routes for APIs and intermediates.
• Optimize conditions to maximize yield and purity.
• Purify and characterize compounds using NMR, MS, HPLC and GC.
• Troubleshoot challenges and develop alternative strategies.
• Mentor junior chemists and document findings thoroughly.
• Collaborate with medicinal, analytical and process chemists to advance programs.
• Contribute to regulatory documentation and safety compliance.

Skills

Complex synthesis design

Reaction optimization

Troubleshooting

Mentoring

Collaborative work

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

HPLC

GC

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading pharmaceutical research and development company, is seeking a talented Senior Organic Chemist with a strong focus on synthesis to join their esteemed team in Welkom, Free State. This position is critical for the discovery and development of new chemical entities with therapeutic potential. The Senior Organic Chemist will be responsible for designing and executing complex multi-step syntheses, optimizing reaction conditions, and purifying target molecules. We are looking for an individual with a deep understanding of synthetic organic chemistry principles and a proven track record in successfully bringing challenging synthetic targets to fruition. The role offers a significant opportunity to contribute to life-saving medicines and advance scientific knowledge within a collaborative and innovative environment located in Welkom, Free State. We value scientific excellence, rigorous experimental design, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Join a team dedicated to making a difference in global health through cutting-edge pharmaceutical research.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex synthetic routes for novel organic molecules, including intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
• Optimize reaction conditions to maximize yield, purity, and efficiency.
• Perform purification and characterization of synthesized compounds using techniques such as NMR, MS, HPLC, and GC.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and develop alternative synthetic strategies.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, analytical chemists, and process chemists to advance drug discovery and development programs.
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory notebooks and research reports.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in synthetic organic chemistry and related technologies.
• Mentor and guide junior chemists in synthetic methodologies and laboratory practices.
• Contribute to the preparation of regulatory documentation and patent applications.
• Ensure safe laboratory operations and adherence to all relevant protocols.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on synthetic organic chemistry experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Expertise in a wide range of synthetic methodologies, including asymmetric synthesis, organometallic chemistry, and heterocycle synthesis.
• Proficiency in modern spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques for compound characterization and analysis.
• Strong understanding of reaction mechanisms and kinetics.
• Proven ability to design and execute complex multi-step syntheses.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a meticulous approach to experimental work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Experience with process chemistry scale-up is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, a generous bonus structure, and a comprehensive benefits package.
• This includes excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance, a robust retirement savings plan with company matching, and paid time off.
• We provide significant opportunities for professional growth, including access to training, conferences, and further educational resources.
• The Welkom, Free State location offers a blend of professional opportunities and a comfortable living environment.
• We are committed to fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.