Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist - Remote

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive health, dental, and vis​

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join a fully remote team advancing drug discovery and development. You will conceptualize and execute complex research projects from inception to preclinical stages in a collaborative, virtual environment.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD with 5–7 years in pharma/biotech, expertise across molecular biology techniques, HTS, PK/PD, and data analysis, and a proven leadership record.

Qualifications

• PhD required in a life science discipline with a strong track record in pharmaceutical research.
• 5–7 years post-doctoral or industry experience in pharma/biotech is expected.
• Proven expertise in drug discovery, target validation, and early development.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze complex experiments in drug discovery and development.
• Lead cross-functional research teams providing scientific guidance.
• Develop and validate new assays to support objectives.
• Interpret data, draw conclusions, and present findings to stakeholders.
• Prepare scientific reports, manuscripts, and regulatory documentation.
• Stay abreast of literature and advancements relevant to therapeutic areas.
• Mentor junior scientists and foster scientific rigor.
• Manage timelines and resources to meet milestones.
• Contribute to strategic planning of research programs.
• Maintain meticulous records in compliance with policies.

Skills

Drug discovery

Target validation

Mammalian cell culture

Immunoassays

Flow cytometry

Gene editing

High-throughput screening

PK/PD understanding

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Pharmacology / Biochemistry / Molecular Biology

Tools

GraphPad Prism

R

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the pharmaceutical industry, is seeking a highly accomplished and motivated Senior Pharmaceutical Research Scientist to join their dynamic team. This is a fully remote, career-defining opportunity for an individual passionate about advancing drug discovery and development. You will play a pivotal role in our client's mission to bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, a proven track record in pharmaceutical research, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, virtual environment. This position is based remotely and requires a dedicated home office setup. You will be integral to conceptualizing, designing, and executing complex research projects from inception through to preclinical stages, contributing significantly to the company's robust pipeline. We are looking for an independent thinker with excellent problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of modern drug development methodologies. This role offers the chance to make a substantial impact within a forward-thinking organization committed to scientific excellence and employee growth, all from the comfort of your own location. The successful applicant will embody our client's core values of integrity, innovation, and patient focus.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze complex experiments related to drug discovery and development, focusing on novel therapeutic targets.


• Lead and contribute to cross-functional research teams, providing scientific expertise and guidance.


• Develop and validate new assays and methodologies to support research objectives.


• Interpret experimental data, draw conclusions, and present findings to internal stakeholders and external collaborators.


• Prepare high-quality scientific reports, manuscripts for publication, and regulatory documentation.


• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature, technological advancements, and competitive landscape in relevant therapeutic areas.


• Mentor and guide junior scientists, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and continuous learning.


• Manage project timelines and resources effectively to ensure timely delivery of research milestones.


• Contribute to the strategic planning and direction of research programs.


• Maintain meticulous records of all experimental procedures and results in compliance with company policies and industry standards.

Requirements

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


• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant post-doctoral or industry research experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector.


• Demonstrated expertise in drug discovery, target validation, and early-stage drug development.


• Proficiency in a broad range of molecular and cellular biology techniques, including mammalian cell culture, immunoassays (ELISA, Western blot), flow cytometry, and gene editing technologies.


• Experience with high-throughput screening (HTS) and compound management is highly desirable.


• Strong understanding of medicinal chemistry principles and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) relationships.


• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to present complex scientific data clearly and concisely.


• Demonstrated leadership potential and ability to work effectively in a collaborative, remote team environment.


• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, R) and electronic lab notebooks.


• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced setting.

Benefits

Our client is dedicated to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment.

• Competitive salary package.


• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.


• A generous 401k matching program.


• Flexible paid time off policy.


• Opportunities for professional development, including access to online courses, conference attendance, and internal training programs.


• Flexibility of remote work allows for a better work-life balance.


• Stipend for home office setup.


• Culture that values collaboration, scientific curiosity, and individual contributions.


• Clear pathways for career advancement within the organization.


• Continuous learning and skill development encouraged to remain at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation.