Senior Pharmacologist - Preclinical Drug Development

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmacologist to lead preclinical pharmacology programs in Nelspruit. The role involves designing, executing, and interpreting in vivo and in vitro studies to assess safety and efficacy of novel drug candidates, with emphasis on PK/PD modeling and regulatory alignment.

You will collaborate with chemists, toxicologists, and project managers to advance candidates toward clinical trials, mentor junior staff, and contribute to regulatory submissions in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in preclinical drug development, preferably within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven experience in designing and executing in vivo pharmacology studies in relevant animal models.
• Strong understanding of PK/PD principles and their application in drug development.
• Experience with GLP regulations and their implementation in preclinical studies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific data effectively.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and analyze preclinical pharmacology studies (in vitro and in vivo) to assess drug efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action.
• Develop and validate PK/PD models to understand drug disposition and response.
• Investigate drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic properties of candidate compounds.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, toxicologists, and project managers to advance drug candidates.
• Ensure all studies are conducted in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines and relevant regulatory standards.
• Prepare comprehensive study reports, present findings to internal teams and at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the preparation of regulatory submission documents.
• Mentor junior pharmacologists and research associates.

Skills

PK/PD modelling

Analytical thinking

Scientific communication

Independent & team work

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology or related life science

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing pharmaceutical company, is seeking an experienced Senior Pharmacologist to join their Preclinical Drug Development team in Nelspruit . This key role involves designing, executing, and interpreting in vivo and in in vitro studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of novel drug candidates. You will play a crucial role in advancing compounds from discovery through to clinical trials, contributing significantly to our pipeline of innovative medicines. The position requires a deep understanding of drug action mechanisms, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling, and regulatory requirements for preclinical studies. This is a hands‑on laboratory role based in our modern facility in Nelspruit , offering the opportunity to work with a talented team of scientists in a fast-paced, research-intensive environment. We are committed to scientific excellence, innovation, and the development of life‑saving therapies. This role demands a rigorous scientific approach, strong problem‑solving skills, and a passion for improving patient outcomes through novel drug development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and analyze preclinical pharmacology studies (in vitro and in vivo) to assess drug efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action.
• Develop and validate PK/PD models to understand drug disposition and response.
• Investigate drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic properties of candidate compounds.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, toxicologists, and project managers to advance drug candidates.
• Ensure all studies are conducted in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines and relevant regulatory standards.
• Prepare comprehensive study reports, present findings to internal teams and at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to the preparation of regulatory submission documents.
• Mentor junior pharmacologists and research associates.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in preclinical drug development, preferably within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven experience in designing and executing in vivo pharmacology studies in relevant animal models.
• Strong understanding of PK/PD principles and their application in drug development.
• Experience with GLP regulations and their implementation in preclinical studies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific data effectively.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team-oriented research environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a retirement savings plan. Employees have access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and resources in Nelspruit . Opportunities for professional development, including attending scientific meetings and training programs, are provided. We offer a dynamic and collaborative work culture focused on scientific innovation. Paid time off and excellent opportunities for career advancement within a growing pharmaceutical company are key benefits.