Senior Pharmacologist

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, retirement plans

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, invites a Senior Pharmacologist to lead preclinical pharmacology activities within our innovative drug discovery program. The role focuses on designing and executing in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action of novel candidates.

You will collaborate with medicinal chemistry, biology, toxicology, and DMPK teams, translate findings to clinical development, mentor junior scientists, and help prepare regulatory submissions

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or related life science.
• Minimum 5 years post-doctoral or industry experience in drug discovery.
• Proven ability to design preclinical pharmacology studies (in vitro/in vivo).

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies.
• Develop and validate assays and models relevant to disease areas.
• Analyze study data with statistical methods and present findings.
• Contribute to regulatory documents (e.g., IND filings) and scientific publications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including medicinal chemistry, biology, toxicology, and DMPK.
• Stay abreast of scientific literature and emerging trends in pharmacology.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the strategic direction of the pharmacology department.
• Ensure compliance with GLP, ethics, and animal welfare regulations.
• Troubleshoot experimental procedures and identify solutions to research challenges.

Skills

In vitro / in vivo pharmacology

Data analysis with statistics

Scientific publication ability

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or related life science

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic pharmaceutical company, is seeking a highly qualified Senior Pharmacologist to contribute to their innovative drug discovery and development programs. This key position, based in Sandton, Gauteng , involves designing and conducting in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action of novel drug candidates. You will play a vital role in translating preclinical findings into clinical development, working closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and toxicologists. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in pharmacology, a strong understanding of drug development processes, and a passion for advancing therapeutic options for unmet medical needs. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact in the pharmaceutical industry within Sandton, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret in vitro and in vivo pharmacology studies to assess drug candidate efficacy and mechanism of action.
• Develop and validate new assays and experimental models relevant to disease areas of interest.
• Analyze study data using appropriate statistical methods and present findings to project teams and senior management.
• Contribute to the preparation of regulatory documents (e.g., IND filings) and scientific publications.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including medicinal chemistry, biology, toxicology, and DMPK.
• Stay abreast of scientific literature and emerging trends in pharmacology and relevant therapeutic areas.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the overall strategic direction of the pharmacology department.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant ethical guidelines, animal welfare regulations, and GLP standards.
• Troubleshoot experimental procedures and identify solutions to research challenges.

Requirements

• PhD in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or a related life science discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant post-doctoral or industry experience in drug discovery and development.
• Proven experience in designing and conducting preclinical pharmacology studies (in vitro and in vivo).
• Strong understanding of key therapeutic areas and associated disease models.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, including statistical software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to publish research.
• Experience working in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology setting in Sandton, Gauteng .
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong scientific curiosity and a commitment to advancing drug discovery.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement plans, performance-based bonuses, generous paid time off, and ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates relocating to Sandton, Gauteng .