Senior Pharmacologist

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Access to modern lab facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmacologist to lead pharmacology research at a state‑of‑the‑art facility in Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role focuses on drug action mechanisms, PK/PD interpretation, and guiding preclinical development within a multidisciplinary team.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD with 6+ years of pharmacology experience, expertise in preclinical design, and strong communication skills to support publications and regulatory submissions.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related biomedical field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post‑doctoral or relevant industry experience in pharmacology research.
• Proven experience in drug discovery and development, with a strong understanding of preclinical study design.
• Expertise in receptor binding assays, cell‑based assays, and animal models.
• Knowledge of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK).
• Strong analytical, statistical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team‑oriented, fast‑paced research environment.
• Experience working in the Gauteng province or similar research hubs is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies to assess drug activity and mechanisms.
• Evaluate drug pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) relationships.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, including dose–response curves and toxicity assessments.
• Contribute to the selection of lead compounds and guide their preclinical development.
• Collaborate with chemistry, biology, and toxicology teams to advance drug candidates.
• Prepare detailed study reports, scientific publications, and regulatory submissions.
• Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines, GLP, and relevant regulatory standards.
• Stay current with scientific literature and advancements in pharmacology and drug discovery.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide expert consultation on pharmacological issues.

Skills

Pharmacology

Data analysis

Team collaboration

GLP compliance

Preclinical/clinical research

Education

PhD in Pharmacology/Toxicology/Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

Receptor binding assays

Cell-based assays

Animal models

DMPK

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in Scientific Research & Development , is seeking a highly skilled Senior Pharmacologist to join their dynamic team in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This critical role will focus on investigating the mechanisms of drug action, evaluating drug efficacy and safety, and contributing to the discovery and development of novel therapeutics. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of pharmacology, physiology, and drug metabolism, coupled with extensive experience in preclinical and/or clinical research. You will play a key role in designing and conducting studies, analyzing data, and interpreting results to guide the drug development pipeline. Working within a state-of-the-art research facility in Vereeniging , you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, chemists, and clinicians. We are looking for a dedicated and experienced pharmacologist with a passion for advancing human health through innovative drug research. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to life‑saving treatments and grow within a leading R&D organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies to assess drug activity and mechanisms.
• Evaluate drug pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) relationships.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data, including dose‑response curves and toxicity assessments.
• Contribute to the selection of lead compounds and guide their preclinical development.
• Collaborate with chemistry, biology, and toxicology teams to advance drug candidates.
• Prepare detailed study reports, scientific publications, and regulatory submissions.
• Ensure compliance with ethical guidelines, GLP, and relevant regulatory standards.
• Stay current with scientific literature and advancements in pharmacology and drug discovery.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide expert consultation on pharmacological issues.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related biomedical field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post‑doctoral or relevant industry experience in pharmacology research.
• Proven experience in drug discovery and development, with a strong understanding of preclinical study design.
• Expertise in relevant pharmacological techniques (e.g., receptor binding assays, cell‑based assays, animal models of disease).
• Knowledge of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK).
• Strong analytical, statistical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team‑oriented, fast‑paced research environment.
• Experience working in the Gauteng province or similar research hubs is beneficial.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Retirement fund and savings plan.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Access to modern laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Collaborative research environment with opportunities for advancement.