Senior Pharmacologist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Home office stipend

Remote work arrangement

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Conference support

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Pharmacologist to lead a remote-first research team focused on preclinical development of novel compounds. You will design and supervise in vitro and in vivo studies, interpret complex data, and guide project strategies while collaborating with a multidisciplinary scientific group.

The role emphasizes independent project management, scientific publication contributions, and ongoing professional growth in a fully remote environment within South Africa.

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacology or related field.
• 5–7 years of industry R&D/drug discovery experience.
• Expertise in pharmacological techniques including animal models, receptor binding assays, and signaling pathways.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies to evaluate drug candidates.
• Develop and validate assays to assess efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action.
• Analyze and present data to project teams, management, and collaborators.
• Contribute to regulatory documents, scientific publications, and conferences.
• Stay abreast of advancements in pharmacology and related disciplines.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior researchers.

Skills

Pharmacology expertise

In vitro / In vivo methods

Data interpretation

Scientific leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Education

PhD in Pharmacology or related life science

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Pharmacologist to join their expanding remote-first research team. This role is critical for advancing the preclinical development of novel pharmaceutical compounds, focusing on understanding their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles. You will lead and conduct in vitro and in vivo studies, design experimental protocols, and interpret complex datasets to inform drug discovery and development strategies. This position offers a significant opportunity for an experienced pharmacologist to contribute to impactful research in a flexible, fully remote environment. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, contributing your expertise to shape the pipeline of innovative therapeutics and address critical unmet medical needs. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong scientific background, a commitment to rigorous research, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret complex in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies to evaluate drug candidates.
• Develop and validate new assays and methodologies to assess drug efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action.
• Analyze and present experimental data to project teams, management, and external scientific collaborators.
• Contribute to the preparation of regulatory documents, scientific publications, and conference presentations.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements in pharmacology and related disciplines.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior researchers within the team.

Requirements

• PhD in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Physiology, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant research experience in drug discovery and preclinical development, preferably within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proven expertise in various pharmacological techniques , including animal models of disease, receptor binding assays, and signal transduction pathways.
• Strong understanding of drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics (DMPK), and toxicology principles.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design and manage research projects, interpret complex data, and draw sound scientific conclusions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a proven track record of scientific publications.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary and substantial bonus potential.
• Full remote work arrangement with a home office stipend and necessary equipment provided.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth, including support for attending scientific conferences and workshops.