Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career advancement opportunities

State-of-the-art facilities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist for our client in Rustenburg. You will lead cutting‑edge R&D projects, design complex experiments, and guide teams from discovery through preclinical development.

The role requires a PhD in a related field with 7+ years in pharmaceutical R&D, strong data analysis, and excellent communication. Relocation assistance and access to advanced facilities are included to support ambitious scientific innovation.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a closely related field with extensive pharmaceutical R&D experience.
• Minimum 7 years of pharmaceutical R&D experience focused on drug discovery and development.
• Proven track record leading research projects and advancing pipelines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for cross‑functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design and interpret in vitro and in vivo studies to assess efficacy and safety of compounds.
• Develop and optimize drug delivery systems and formulations.
• Lead cross‑functional research teams and provide scientific direction.
• Stay updated with literature and technologies in pharmaceutical research.
• Prepare reports, patent documents, and publications to disseminate findings.
• Collaborate with external institutions and partners to drive innovation.

Skills

Drug discovery

Project leadership

Scientific communication

Data analysis

Collaborative research

Education

PhD in Pharmacology/Medicinal Chemistry/Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks an accomplished Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to lead innovative research and development projects at their facility in Rustenburg . This role involves designing and executing complex experiments to discover and develop novel drug candidates and formulations. You will be instrumental in advancing our scientific pipeline, contributing to the company's growth through cutting‑edge research and robust data analysis. This position is ideal for a visionary scientist who is passionate about pharmaceutical innovation and possesses a strong track record in drug discovery or development, working within a collaborative research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and interpret in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of potential pharmaceutical compounds.
• Develop and optimize new drug delivery systems and formulations for various therapeutic areas.
• Lead cross‑functional research teams, providing scientific direction and mentorship.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in pharmaceutical research.
• Prepare research reports, patents, and publications to disseminate scientific findings.
• Collaborate with external academic institutions and research partners to foster innovation.

Requirements

• PhD in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical R&D, with a focus on drug discovery and development.
• Proven track record of successful research project leadership and contribution to pipeline advancement.
• Expertise in a relevant therapeutic area and hands‑on experience with advanced research techniques.
• Strong understanding of drug development processes from discovery to preclinical stages.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art research facilities and technologies.
• Generous relocation assistance if applicable for the North West region.
• A stimulating and innovative research environment dedicated to improving patient outcomes.