Senior Research Scientist - Medicinal Chemistry

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Research Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry to join a premier drug discovery team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. You will design, synthesize, and optimize novel small molecules, driving lead optimization and contributing to early discovery programs in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

The role emphasizes strong organic synthesis and SAR knowledge, with opportunities to publish and file patents within a state‑of‑the‑art facility.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or closely related field.
• Minimum 5 years post‑doctoral experience in pharma/biotech drug discovery.
• Proven expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and multi‑step synthesis.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and optimize novel organic compounds for drug discovery.
• Lead optimization campaigns with iterative design and biological testing.
• Develop robust synthetic routes for target molecules.
• Characterize compounds using NMR, MS, and HPLC.
• Collaborate with biologists/pharmacologists and interpret SAR data.

Skills

Medicinal chemistry

Organic synthesis

SAR analysis

ADME principles

NMR/MS/HPLC

Computational chemistry

Scientific communication

Independent work

Patents / publications

Education

PhD in Medicinal Chemistry

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Tools

Analytical software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned pharmaceutical research company, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Research Scientist in Medicinal Chemistry to join their dedicated drug discovery team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This critical role involves the design, synthesis, and optimization of novel small molecules with therapeutic potential. You will be responsible for driving lead optimization campaigns, contributing to early-stage drug discovery programs, and collaborating closely with biologists and pharmacologists. The successful candidate will possess a strong background in organic synthesis and a deep understanding of structure-activity relationships (SAR). This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the development of groundbreaking medicines in a state‑of‑the‑art facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel organic compounds with desired pharmacological properties.
• Optimize lead compounds through iterative cycles of design, synthesis, and biological testing.
• Develop and implement robust synthetic routes for target molecules.
• Characterize synthesized compounds using techniques such as NMR, Mass Spectrometry, and HPLC.
• Collaborate with biologists and pharmacologists to interpret SAR data and guide compound selection.
• Manage synthesis projects, including planning, resource allocation, and timeline management.
• Contribute to patent filings and scientific publications.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in medicinal chemistry and synthetic organic chemistry.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Work effectively in a multidisciplinary drug discovery team.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post‑doctoral experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, focused on drug discovery.
• Proven expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, including multi‑step synthesis and purification techniques.
• Strong understanding of medicinal chemistry principles, including SAR, ADME properties, and in vitro pharmacology.
• Proficiency in modern analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC).
• Experience with computational chemistry tools is a plus.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present scientific findings effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced research environment.
• A track record of contributing to drug discovery projects and/or patent applications.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health insurance, a retirement savings plan, and performance bonuses.
• We provide ample opportunities for professional growth, including access to advanced training, conferences, and opportunities to work on diverse drug discovery programs.
• Located in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, the role offers a stimulating work environment and access to a thriving scientific community.
• Employees will work with cutting‑edge synthetic and analytical instrumentation, contributing to the development of innovative therapeutics that address unmet medical needs.
• Our client is dedicated to fostering a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.