Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist - Oncology

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Hybrid work model

Relocation assistance

Professional development opportunities

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join a leading innovator in oncology research in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA. The role blends in‑office collaboration with focused remote work to accelerate drug discovery and development.

You will design and execute preclinical studies, develop assays, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to advance the pipeline while mentoring junior scientists in a dynamic, data‑driven environment.

Qualifications

• PhD required in pharmacology or related field with oncology focus.
• 5–7 years postdoc/industry oncology drug discovery experience.
• Experience designing and conducting in vivo/in vitro cancer studies.
• Strong cancer biology knowledge and signaling pathways.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute preclinical oncology studies.
• Develop and optimize drug screening and MOA assays.
• Analyze data and prepare reports/publications.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and clinical teams.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to team culture.
• Stay updated with literature and tech advances.

Skills

Oncology drug discovery

Preclinical research

In vivo/in vitro studies

Cell culture

Molecular biology assays

Flow cytometry

Data analysis (GraphPad Prism, R)

Scientific publications

Project management

Communication

Education

PhD in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, or related life sciences

Tools

qPCR

Western blotting

Flow cytometry

GraphPad Prism

R

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the pharmaceutical industry, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join their dynamic team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in oncology, developing novel therapeutic agents that have the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes. You will be part of a collaborative environment dedicated to scientific excellence and patient well-being, working at the forefront of drug discovery and development. The role involves a hybrid work model, offering a balance between in‑office collaboration and focused remote work, ensuring flexibility while maintaining team synergy. This position is crucial for advancing our client's pipeline and solidifying their position as a leader in pharmaceutical innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex preclinical research studies to identify and validate novel oncology drug targets.
• Develop and optimize assays for drug screening, efficacy testing, and mechanism of action studies.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, ensuring scientific rigor and accuracy.
• Prepare comprehensive research reports, scientific publications, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams, including medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and clinical development.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a positive and productive research environment.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in oncology and drug discovery.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and direction of research projects.

Requirements

• PhD in Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• A minimum of 5‑7 years of postdoctoral or industry research experience in oncology drug discovery.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and conducting in vivo and in vitro studies relevant to cancer research.
• Strong understanding of cancer biology, signaling pathways, and therapeutic modalities.
• Proficiency in various biological techniques, including cell culture, molecular biology assays (qPCR, Western blotting), and flow cytometry.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of scientific publications.
• Experience with data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, R).
• Previous experience in the pharmaceutical industry is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance‑based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art research facilities and equipment.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Relocation assistance may be available for highly qualified candidates.
• A stimulating and collaborative work environment in the beautiful region of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA.