Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to lead discovery and development of novel drug candidates in its Durban R&D division. The role emphasizes medicinal chemistry, SAR development, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams to translate research into early development.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in medicinal/organic chemistry and at least six years in drug discovery, with a track record of publishing and contributing to IND-ready programs, within a

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant chemical/biological discipline.
• Minimum 6 years in drug discovery and development within pharma.
• Strong background in medicinal chemistry and SAR development.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects focused on design, synthesis, and optimization of small molecule drug candidates (SAR-driven).
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo assessments to evaluate efficacy and safety of compounds.
• Collaborate with biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK scientists for integrated project strategies.
• Prepare research reports, summaries, and presentations for internal and external forums.
• Contribute to regulatory documentation (INDs) and stay current with literature trends.
• Mentor junior scientists and foster a collaborative research environment.

Skills

Medicinal chemistry

SAR development

Drug discovery

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

PhD in Medicinal Chemistry/Organic Chemistry/Pharmacology

Tools

ChemDraw

Data analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering pharmaceutical company, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join their esteemed R&D division in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is critical in driving the discovery and development of novel drug candidates. You will contribute to groundbreaking research aimed at addressing unmet medical needs across various therapeutic areas. This position offers a unique chance to work within a state-of-the-art facility alongside a team of world-class scientists. If you are passionate about medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, and making a tangible difference in global health, this is the opportunity for you. The company prides itself on its commitment to scientific rigor and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct research projects focused on the design, synthesis, and optimization of small molecule drug candidates.
• Utilize medicinal chemistry principles to develop structure-activity relationships (SAR) and guide lead optimization efforts.
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of potential drug compounds.
• Collaborate with biologists, pharmacologists, and DMPK scientists to ensure integrated project strategies.
• Prepare detailed research reports, summaries, and presentations for internal review and external scientific forums.
• Contribute to the preparation of regulatory documentation, including Investigational New Drug (IND) applications.
• Stay abreast of scientific literature and emerging trends in pharmaceutical R&D.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in drug discovery and development within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry, with a strong understanding of SAR development.
• Experience with various assay technologies and an understanding of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles.
• Demonstrated success in bringing drug candidates from discovery through preclinical development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong publication record being a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Proficiency in relevant software for chemical drawing and data analysis.

Benefits

• Attractive annual salary ranging from R to R.
• Comprehensive health insurance package, including medical and dental coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Generous annual leave and public holiday allocations.
• Access to advanced research facilities and cutting-edge equipment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and participation in international conferences.
• Stimulating work environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
• Potential for significant career advancement within the organization.