Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist - Discovery

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Relocation assistance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This hybrid role combines on-site laboratory work with collaborative remote analysis to advance drug discovery and development efforts.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in a life sciences field and 5–7 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in pharmaceutical research, including in vitro and in vivo models, data interpretation, and collaborative cross-functional work.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline.

Responsibilities

• Conduct R&D in discovery phase for new pharmaceutical products.
• Design, execute, and interpret experiments for drug target identification and validation.
• Develop and optimize assays for high-throughput screening and lead optimization.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to advance drug candidates.
• Analyze data, prepare reports, and present findings to senior management.

Skills

In vitro/in vivo models

Molecular biology techniques

Biochemical techniques

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology

Tools

Laboratory techniques

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.