Senior Research Scientist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional growth

state-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg seeks a Senior Research Scientist to join its drug discovery team. You will lead design and execution of complex assays, identify targets, and drive preclinical progress in the KwaZulu-Natal region.

The role requires a PhD and 5+ years in drug discovery, with strong publication record and collaboration across disciplines. You will mentor scientists and contribute to strategy, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or related field.
• 5+ years post-PhD in drug discovery or industry.
• Proven publication record and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of complex biological assays to identify and validate drug targets.
• Develop and optimize protocols for compound screening, MOA studies, and in vitro/in vivo pharmacology.
• Analyze data, troubleshoot challenges, present findings to cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and toxicologists to advance lead compounds.
• Author research reports and publications, contribute to patent applications.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to scientific strategy in Pietermaritzburg.

Skills

Molecular biology

High-throughput screening

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology / Biochemistry / Pharmacology

Tools

HTS platforms

Bioinformatics tools

Statistical software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Research Scientist to join their dynamic drug discovery team in Pietermaritzburg . This role is crucial for driving innovative research and development initiatives within the pharmaceutical sector. You will be instrumental in identifying novel therapeutic targets, designing and executing experiments, and contributing to the progression of drug candidates from discovery through preclinical development. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, or a related field, coupled with a proven track record of scientific achievement and a passion for translating scientific insights into tangible therapeutic solutions that can significantly impact patient lives in the KwaZulu-Natal region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of complex biological assays and experiments to identify and validate potential drug targets.
• Develop and optimize experimental protocols for compound screening, mechanism-of-action studies, and in vitro/in vivo pharmacology.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, troubleshoot technical challenges, and present findings to cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and toxicologists to advance lead compounds.
• Author research reports, scientific publications, and contribute to patent applications.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the overall scientific strategy of the drug discovery unit in Pietermaritzburg .

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in drug discovery.
• Extensive experience with various biological assays, high-throughput screening , and data analysis software.
• Proven ability to manage research projects independently and effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong publication record.
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical industry best practices and regulatory considerations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning.
• A collaborative and stimulating research environment in Pietermaritzburg .
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and cutting-edge technologies.