Senior Pharmaceutical Scientist - Drug Discovery

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Scientist to join a leading biopharmaceutical company in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. You will spearhead drug discovery efforts, drive target validation, and mentor a team of researchers in a hybrid work setting.

You will collaborate with chemists to optimize lead compounds and guide preclinical development, while contributing to strategic R&D direction and scientific communications.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant drug discovery experience in pharma/biotech.
• Proven experience in designing and executing preclinical drug discovery studies.
• Strong understanding of target validation, hit-to-lead optimization, and preclinical development processes.
• Proficiency in molecular biology assays, cell culture, and biochemical assays.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead projects and mentor junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute research projects focused on discovery and development of novel pharmaceutical agents.
• Design and conduct in vitro and in vivo studies to assess efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action.
• Identify and validate potential drug targets using advanced molecular biology techniques.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to optimize lead compounds and develop preclinical candidates.
• Analyze and interpret complex data, draw conclusions, and recommend next steps.
• Mentor junior scientists and research associates within the team.
• Stay current with literature and trends in pharmaceutical science; contribute to regulatory submissions.

Skills

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Pharmacology or related field

Tools

Molecular biology assays

Cell culture

Biochemical assays

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing human health, is seeking a highly motivated Senior Pharmaceutical Scientist to join their drug discovery team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA . This critical role involves spearheading research and development activities aimed at identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets and drug candidates. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, or a related discipline, with extensive experience in drug discovery pipelines. You will lead innovative projects, mentor junior scientists, and contribute to the strategic direction of our client's R&D efforts. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation in a collaborative and resource-rich environment within Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute research projects focused on the discovery and development of novel pharmaceutical agents.
• Design and conduct in vitro and in vivo studies to assess drug efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action.
• Identify and validate potential drug targets using advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists to optimize lead compounds and develop preclinical drug candidates.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, drawing robust conclusions and recommending next steps.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and research associates within the drug discovery team.
• Stay current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and trends in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Prepare research reports, scientific presentations, and contribute to regulatory submissions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant drug discovery experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proven experience in designing and executing preclinical drug discovery studies.
• Strong understanding of target validation, hit-to-lead optimization, and preclinical development processes.
• Proficiency in relevant laboratory techniques, including molecular biology assays, cell culture, and biochemical assays.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and mentor junior staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting scientific findings.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a hybrid team setting in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, retirement savings plans, and performance-based bonuses.
• Employees have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and cutting-edge technologies.
• We are committed to fostering professional growth through ongoing training, development programs, and opportunities to attend leading scientific conferences.
• This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, providing flexibility for researchers in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, ZA .
• Join a passionate team dedicated to improving patient lives through innovative pharmaceutical solutions.