Senior Research Scientist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 2,329,000 - 3,078,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Performance-based bonuses

Home office setup allowance

Remote benefits package

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join its pioneering Drug Discovery team in a fully remote role. You will identify and validate novel targets, design small molecules and biologics, and advance lead candidates through early discovery stages.

You will work with a global team of scientists, applying expertise in disease biology, medicinal chemistry, and modern drug discovery techniques. Strong communication and independent work in a remote setting are essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in a relevant field with extensive drug discovery experience.
• Experience in validating novel biological targets and drug candidates.
• Strong independent work and excellent communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Identify and validate novel biological targets implicated in diseases.
• Design and synthesize small molecules or biologics with suitable properties.
• Plan and execute in vitro/in vivo studies to assess efficacy and MOA.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to advance candidates.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Strong communication

Remote autonomous work

In vitro / in vivo assay planning

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry or Medicinal Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Scientist to join their pioneering Drug Discovery team. This role is fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere. You will be instrumental in identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets, designing small molecule and biologic drug candidates, and advancing lead compounds through the early stages of the discovery pipeline. This position requires a deep understanding of disease biology, medicinal chemistry, and modern drug discovery techniques. The successful candidate will contribute to impactful research aimed at developing new treatments for unmet medical needs, collaborating with a global team of scientists.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and validate novel biological targets implicated in various disease areas.
• Design and synthesize small molecules or biologics with desired pharmacological properties.
• Plan and execute in vitro and in vivo studies to assess compound efficacy and mechanism of action.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists, to advance drug candidates.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and present findings to internal stakeholders and project teams, working independently from Port Elizabeth .

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in drug discovery research within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proven track record of successfully contributing to the discovery of novel drug candidates.
• Strong understanding of cellular signaling pathways, assay development, and lead optimization principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work autonomously in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and a comprehensive remote benefits package.
• Stock options and performance-based bonuses.
• Generous allowance for home office setup and professional development.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge research with a significant impact on patient health.
• A fully remote, flexible, and collaborative work environment.