Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist (Remote)

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work setup support

Flexible hours

Professional development

Competitive salary

Generous leave policy

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join a remote, South Africa-based team. The role focuses on advancing drug discovery and formulation development from a home office, leveraging world-class collaboration and rigorous scientific standards.

You will lead independent research projects, design complex experiments, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to publications and regulatory documents, while coordinating with cross-functional teams across medicinal

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, or a related life science field.
• 5–7+ years post-doctoral research experience in the pharmaceutical industry with strong publications.
• Proven drug discovery and development expertise in relevant therapeutic areas.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects remotely.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced laboratory research to identify and validate new drug targets.
• Design and execute complex experiments, including synthesis and in vitro/in vivo testing.
• Analyze and interpret data, presenting findings to cross-functional teams.
• Develop and optimize innovative drug formulation strategies for novel compounds.
• Collaborate with chemists, biologists, pharmacologists and clinical teams remotely.
• Prepare scientific publications, patent applications, and regulatory documents.

Skills

Independent work

Drug discovery

Analytical techniques

Data analysis

Remote collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related

Tools

LIMS

Statistical software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in pharmaceutical development, is seeking a highly accomplished and driven Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join their dynamic team. This position is a critical, fully remote role, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in advancing cutting-edge research and development projects, contributing to the discovery and formulation of novel therapeutics. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of medicine from the comfort of your home office, collaborating with a world-class team dedicated to improving global health outcomes. The role emphasizes independent work, strategic thinking, and a passion for scientific excellence within the pharmaceutical sector. We are looking for an individual who thrives in a remote environment and can effectively manage their time and contribute meaningfully to project milestones without direct physical supervision. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in our R&D pipeline, driving innovation and ensuring the highest standards of scientific rigor.

The Pietermaritzburg region, while the designated administrative hub, will not require on-site presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced laboratory research to identify and validate new drug targets.
• Design and execute complex experiments, including synthesis, characterization, and in vitro/in vivo testing of potential drug candidates.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, presenting findings clearly and concisely to cross-functional teams and senior management.
• Develop and optimize innovative drug formulation strategies for novel compounds.
• Collaborate effectively with medicinal chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, and clinical development teams in a remote setting.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific publications, patent applications, and regulatory submission documents.
• Maintain meticulous records of experimental procedures, results, and observations.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and technological advancements in pharmaceutical R&D.
• Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the scientific growth of the team.

Requirements

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, or a related life science field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of post-doctoral research experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a strong publication record.
• Proven expertise in drug discovery and development methodologies, with a focus on specific therapeutic areas (e.g., oncology, infectious diseases, neurology).
• Hands-on experience with various analytical and biochemical techniques relevant to drug development.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote work environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a strong scientific curiosity.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information effectively.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Experience with remote collaboration tools and a proven track record of successful remote teamwork.
• Candidates must be based in South Africa for administrative purposes.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of ZAR.
• Comprehensive remote work infrastructure support.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave policies.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Contribution to cutting-edge research with a significant societal impact.
• Flexible working hours conducive to a remote lifestyle.
• Access to state-of-the-art virtual collaborative platforms.