Senior Research Chemist (Organic Synthesis)

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Modern laboratory facilities

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Research Chemist specializing in organic synthesis in Rustenburg, North West. The role centers on designing and optimizing multi-step syntheses for novel drug-like molecules within a collaborative R&D setting.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD in Organic Chemistry with 4+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience, strong analytical skills, and a drive to overcome synthetic challenges across diverse reaction platforms.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or closely related field.
• Minimum 4 years postdoctoral or industry experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Hands-on experience with a wide range of organic reactions and synthetic techniques.
• Proficiency in spectroscopic/analytical methods for compound characterization.
• Strong understanding of reaction mechanisms and retrosynthetic analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute multi-step synthetic routes for novel organic compounds in drug discovery.
• Optimize reaction conditions to improve yield, purity, and efficiency.
• Purify synthesized compounds using chromatographic techniques and crystallization.
• Characterize compounds using NMR, MS, IR, and UV-Vis.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Conduct literature searches for new strategies and methodologies.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, and R&D team members.
• Maintain detailed lab notebooks and prepare research reports.
• Present findings at internal meetings and conferences.
• Ensure adherence to lab safety and chemical handling procedures.
• Assist in development/validation of analytical methods.
• Manage laboratory resources and inventory.

Skills

Organic synthesis experience

Problem solving

Independent work

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

IR

HPLC

UV-Vis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and forward-thinking pharmaceutical research company, is seeking a talented and experienced Senior Research Chemist specializing in Organic Synthesis . This position is central to the drug discovery pipeline, focusing on the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules with therapeutic potential. The role demands a rigorous scientific approach, meticulous execution, and a creative mindset to overcome synthetic challenges. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully synthesizing complex organic compounds and a deep understanding of modern synthetic methodologies. This opportunity is located in Rustenburg, North West , a region undergoing significant development and offering a growing base for scientific endeavors. Our client is committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment where scientific curiosity is encouraged and impactful discoveries are celebrated.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute multi-step synthetic routes for novel organic compounds relevant to drug discovery.
• Optimize reaction conditions to improve yield, purity, and efficiency of synthetic processes.
• Purify synthesized compounds using chromatographic techniques (e.g., column chromatography, HPLC) and crystallization.
• Characterize synthesized compounds using spectroscopic methods (NMR, MS, IR, UV-Vis).
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Conduct literature searches to identify new synthetic strategies and methodologies.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and other R&D team members.
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory notebooks and prepare research reports.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and potentially at external scientific conferences.
• Ensure adherence to all laboratory safety regulations and chemical handling procedures.
• Assist in the development and validation of analytical methods.
• Manage laboratory resources and inventory effectively.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of postdoctoral or industry experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with a wide range of organic reactions and synthetic techniques.
• Proficiency in modern spectroscopic and analytical methods for compound characterization.
• Strong understanding of reaction mechanisms and retrosynthetic analysis.
• Experience with chiral synthesis and asymmetric catalysis is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a creative approach to synthetic challenges.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Familiarity with computational chemistry tools for reaction prediction is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• A passion for organic chemistry and its application in pharmaceutical research.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, complemented by performance-based incentives and annual reviews.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, is provided.
• A retirement savings plan with company matching contributions is available.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development, including access to workshops, training programs, and conference participation.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for candidates relocating to Rustenburg, North West .
• Employees work in modern, well-equipped laboratory facilities.
• Our client values work-life balance and offers generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.