Senior Pharma Research Scientist — Lead Drug Discovery

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Research conferences support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist for our Mahikeng, North West facility to lead cutting-edge drug discovery and development initiatives. You will drive experimental design, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, mentoring junior scientists and contributing to strategic research planning.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in pharmacology/biochemistry/chemistry or related life science, with 5–7 years of post-PhD R&D experience, strong publication history,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related life science discipline.
• 5–7 years post-doctoral or industry experience in pharmaceutical R&D.
• Proven expertise in experimental design, data analysis and interpretation.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery, preclinical development and regulatory guidelines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with a publication record.
• Leadership capabilities with mentoring experience.
• Proficiency in relevant lab techniques and instrumentation.
• Ability to work independently and in teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to ethical research practices and safety.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex experimental protocols for drug discovery and characterization.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, drawing conclusions and proposing directions.
• Lead and mentor junior research staff to foster rigor and collaboration.
• Develop and validate new analytical methods and assays for pharmaceutical research.
• Prepare comprehensive research reports, publications, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and regulatory affairs.
• Stay updated with literature and technological advances in pharma research.
• Ensure safety and lab best practices at the Mahikeng facility.
• Contribute to strategic planning and identify new research opportunities.
• Manage project timelines and resources to meet milestones.

Skills

Experimental design

Data analysis

Leadership

Mentoring

Scientific publications

Independent work

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology/Biochemistry/Chemistry or related life science

Tools

Laboratory instrumentation

Bioinformatics tools (advantageous)

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist for our Mahikeng, North West facility to lead cutting-edge drug discovery and development initiatives. You will drive experimental design, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, mentoring junior scientists and contributing to strategic research planning.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in pharmacology/biochemistry/chemistry or related life science, with 5–7 years of post-PhD R&D experience, strong publication history,