Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plans

Equity participation

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to drive drug discovery efforts. You will identify targets, design and synthesize candidates, and advance lead compounds through preclinical stages, leading projects and mentoring junior scientists.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in medicinal chemistry or related field, 7+ years post-doctoral experience, and a track record of translating hits to leads.

Qualifications

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Organic Chemistry, or a related life science field.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery.
• Demonstrated success in identifying and advancing drug candidates from hit to lead/preclinical stages.
• Strong leadership, project management, and mentoring abilities.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and optimize small molecule drug candidates.
• Develop and execute in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate efficacy and mechanism.
• Collaborate with biologists, pharmacologists, and formulation scientists.
• Conduct literature reviews and stay abreast of recent scientific developments.
• Prepare detailed research reports, publications, and patent applications.
• Manage research projects, including resource allocation and timelines; analyze data.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior staff.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and develop innovative solutions.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and external conferences.
• Ensure all research activities comply with ethical and regulatory standards.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the drug discovery pipeline.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Scientific writing

Communication

Mentoring

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Organic Chemistry

Tools

Computational chemistry tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the Pharmaceutical industry, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Research Scientist to drive drug discovery efforts. This exciting role is based at our cutting-edge research facility in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA. You will play a pivotal role in identifying novel therapeutic targets, designing and synthesizing potential drug candidates, and advancing lead compounds through the preclinical pipeline. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, or a related discipline, coupled with a proven track record of success in drug discovery programs. This position requires exceptional scientific expertise, innovative thinking, and the ability to lead research projects and mentor junior scientists. We are looking for a dynamic individual passionate about developing life-changing medicines and contributing to our company's mission in Cape Town.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and optimize small molecule drug candidates targeting specific diseases.
• Develop and execute in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate compound efficacy, potency, and mechanism of action.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including biologists, pharmacologists, and formulation scientists.
• Conduct literature reviews and stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements in relevant therapeutic areas.
• Prepare detailed research reports, scientific publications, and patent applications.
• Manage research projects, including resource allocation, timeline management, and data analysis.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior research staff.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and develop innovative solutions.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.
• Ensure all research activities are conducted in compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the drug discovery pipeline.

Requirements

• PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, Organic Chemistry, or a related life science field.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in pharmaceutical drug discovery.
• Demonstrated success in identifying and advancing drug candidates from hit to lead/preclinical stages.
• Strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and modern drug design principles.
• Experience with a variety of biological assays and screening methodologies.
• Proven ability to design and interpret complex experiments.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Strong leadership and project management capabilities.
• Experience with computational chemistry tools and databases is advantageous.
• Familiarity with relevant therapeutic areas (e.g., oncology, infectious diseases, CNS).
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings plans, and potential for equity participation.

We provide ample opportunities for professional growth, including advanced training, conference participation, and career progression.

The company culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence.

This role is based in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA, a vibrant city offering a high quality of life.

The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a flexible balance between on-site research and remote strategic planning and analysis.