Senior Pharmacologist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an accomplished Senior Pharmacologist in Pretoria to lead preclinical pharmacology within the Drug Discovery division. You will identify and validate novel drug targets, design rigorous studies, and contribute to the pipeline of innovative medicines in a cutting‑edge environment.

The role requires leadership in experimental design, data interpretation, and effective collaboration with cross‑functional teams to advance drug candidates through discovery.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to design and execute pharmacological studies across in vitro and in vivo models.
• Strong data analysis skills including statistics for interpretation of results.
• Track record of scientific publications in peer‑reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies to assess drug efficacy and safety.
• Investigate mechanisms of action for novel therapeutic compounds and targets.
• Develop and validate complex pharmacological assays relevant to disease models.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, preparing comprehensive reports and presentations.
• Collaborate closely with chemists, biologists, and toxicologists to advance drug candidates through the discovery pipeline.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and emerging trends in pharmacology and drug development.

Skills

Experimental design

Data analysis

Scientific publications

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology/Toxicology

Job description

Our client, a pioneering pharmaceutical company based in Pretoria , is seeking an accomplished Senior Pharmacologist to join their dedicated Drug Discovery division. This role is central to identifying and validating novel drug targets and developing innovative therapeutic strategies. You will conduct rigorous preclinical research, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and contribute significantly to the company's pipeline of life-changing medicines. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced pharmacologist passionate about bench science and committed to advancing pharmaceutical research in a supportive and cutting-edge environment within the heart of Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies to assess drug efficacy and safety.
• Investigate mechanisms of action for novel therapeutic compounds and targets.
• Develop and validate complex pharmacological assays relevant to disease models.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, preparing comprehensive reports and presentations.
• Collaborate closely with chemists, biologists, and toxicologists to advance drug candidates through the discovery pipeline.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature and emerging trends in pharmacology and drug development.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in drug discovery research, preferably within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong expertise in experimental design and execution for various pharmacological assays.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, including statistical methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of scientific publications.
• Experience with regulatory requirements for preclinical drug development is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Generous allocation of paid time off and sick leave.
• Support for ongoing professional development and conference participation in Pretoria .