Senior Research Chemist, Organic Synthesis - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Research Chemist specializing in Organic Synthesis. You will design and execute multi-step routes, optimize conditions, and characterize compounds for drug discovery.

The role requires a PhD in Organic Chemistry with 5+ years in synthetic chemistry, including asymmetric synthesis and catalysis. Strong analytical skills and collaboration across teams are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or closely related field.
• 5+ years post-PhD in synthetic organic chemistry, preferably pharma/biotech.
• Experience with multi-step organic synthesis including asymmetric steps.
• Proficiency with NMR, MS, HPLC, GC for compound characterization.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and team collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute synthetic routes for novel small molecules across disease areas.
• Perform complex organic synthesis, purification, and characterization of target compounds.
• Optimize reaction conditions to improve yield, purity, and scalability.
• Use NMR, MS, HPLC, GC for characterization and purity assessment.
• Troubleshoot synthesis challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, and researchers to advance programs.
• Maintain meticulous lab notebooks and document procedures and results.
• Stay updated on advances in synthetic organic chemistry and literature.
• Contribute to patent filings and publications.

Skills

Multi-step synthesis

Asymmetric synthesis

Catalysis

Analytical techniques

Troubleshooting

Scientific writing

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Tools

Job description

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Research Chemist specializing in Organic Synthesis. You will design and execute multi-step routes, optimize conditions, and characterize compounds for drug discovery.

The role requires a PhD in Organic Chemistry with 5+ years in synthetic chemistry, including asymmetric synthesis and catalysis. Strong analytical skills and collaboration across teams are essential.