Senior Pharmaceutical R&D Scientist (Drug Discovery)

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 950,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa’s Gauteng seeks a Senior Pharmaceutical R&D Scientist to lead early drug discovery in Benoni. The role requires a PhD with extensive post-doctoral drug discovery experience and a track record in identifying novel targets and HTS-driven lead identification.

The candidate will collaborate with medicinal chemistry, guide lead optimization, and mentor junior scientists while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics, or related life science.
• Minimum 5 years post-doctoral research experience in drug discovery within pharma/biotech.
• Experience with HTS, lead optimization, and in vivo pharmacology studies.
• Proficiency in a broad range of molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Strong understanding of drug development processes and regulatory considerations.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments to identify and validate novel drug targets.
• Develop and implement high-throughput screening (HTS) assays for lead identification.
• Characterize pharmacological properties of lead compounds (potency, selectivity, mechanism).
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to guide lead optimization into drug candidates.
• Mentor junior scientists and manage drug discovery projects with timelines.

Skills

Target ID

Assay development

HTS screening

Lead optimization

In vivo pharmacology

Molecular biology

Bioinformatics

Project management

Scientific writing

Communication

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology

Tools

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected pharmaceutical company renowned for its commitment to innovation, is seeking an experienced Senior Pharmaceutical R&D Scientist to join their Drug Discovery team in Benoni, Gauteng. This critical role involves spearheading the identification and validation of novel drug targets and the development of innovative therapeutic candidates. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in molecular biology, biochemistry, or pharmacology, with extensive experience in early-stage drug discovery. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the development of groundbreaking medicines within a state-of-the-art research environment, working alongside a team of leading scientists. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of pharmaceutical science.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments to identify and validate novel drug targets in key therapeutic areas.
• Develop and implement high-throughput screening (HTS) assays for compound screening and lead identification.
• Characterize the pharmacological properties of lead compounds, including potency, selectivity, and mechanism of action.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to guide the optimization of lead compounds into drug candidates.
• Utilize a range of molecular and cellular biology techniques, including gene expression analysis, protein assays, and cell-based assays.
• Plan and manage drug discovery projects, setting clear objectives and timelines.
• Interpret complex experimental data and present findings clearly and concisely to internal teams and management.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature, emerging technologies, and industry trends in drug discovery.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property through patent applications and publications.
• Mentor junior scientists and foster a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Ensure all research activities are conducted in compliance with ethical guidelines and safety protocols.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Genetics, or a related life science discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral research experience in drug discovery within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in target identification and validation, assay development, and early-stage drug discovery.
• Proven experience with HTS, lead optimization, and in vivo pharmacology studies.
• Proficiency in a broad range of molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Strong understanding of drug development processes and regulatory considerations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of scientific publications and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research setting.
• Experience with bioinformatics tools and data analysis is advantageous.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple research priorities.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive medical coverage, a generous retirement plan, and significant opportunities for professional development and conference attendance. This role is based in Benoni, offering a dynamic research environment. Join a leading pharmaceutical organization at the forefront of medical innovation.