Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist - Discovery

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development & training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to advance drug discovery in a hybrid lab setting in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The role involves leading in vitro/in vivo studies, collaborating with chemists and pharmacologists, and mentoring junior staff.

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. with 5–7 years in pharma research, strong data analysis skills, and a proven ability to present complex findings to science committees.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related life science discipline.
• 5–7 years post-doctoral or industry experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery.
• Experience designing and executing in vitro and in vivo experimental models.

Responsibilities

• Conduct R&D activities in discovery phase of new pharmaceutical products.
• Design, execute, and interpret experiments for target identification and validation.
• Develop and optimize assays for high-throughput screening and lead optimization.

Skills

Pharmaceutical research

Analytical thinking

Scientific communication

Hybrid collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity within the pharmaceutical sector, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This pivotal role involves contributing to cutting-edge drug discovery and development initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, a proven track record in pharmaceutical research, and a passion for innovation. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of healthcare by developing novel therapeutic agents. The role is structured as a Hybrid position, blending essential on-site laboratory work with flexible remote collaboration, reflecting our commitment to a modern and efficient work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research and development activities in the discovery phase of new pharmaceutical products.
• Design, execute, and interpret complex experiments related to drug target identification and validation.
• Develop and optimize assays for high-throughput screening and lead optimization.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists, to advance drug candidates.
• Analyze experimental data, prepare detailed reports, and present findings to senior management and scientific committees.
• Contribute to the intellectual property portfolio through patent applications and scientific publications.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance to the research team.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory guidelines and safety protocols in the Pietermaritzburg laboratory.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and executing in vitro and in vivo experimental models.
• Proficiency in various molecular biology and biochemical techniques.
• Strong understanding of drug development processes and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, with a proven ability to present complex scientific information clearly.
• Experience in a Hybrid work setting is beneficial.
• Residency or willingness to relocate to the vicinity of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal .

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including an annual salary of ZAR , performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive health insurance.
• Employees benefit from a generous paid time-off policy, opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, and access to state-of-the-art research facilities in Pietermaritzburg.
• We foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values scientific curiosity and ethical conduct.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for exceptional candidates.
• This Hybrid role supports work-life balance through flexible scheduling arrangements.