Senior Research Scientist - Pharmaceutical

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Professional development opportunities

Generous paid time off

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly skilled Senior Research Scientist to join our pharmaceutical research team in Pietermaritzburg. You will drive development of new therapeutic compounds and drug delivery systems, translating discoveries into medicines as part of a collaborative, scientifically rigorous group.

You will lead in vitro/in vivo studies, design experiments, analyze data, and mentor junior scientists while contributing to reports and publications for internal and external reviews.

Qualifications

• PhD in related field required.
• Minimum 5 years pharma R&D experience with publications.
• Proficient in experimental design and data analysis.
• Experience with drug discovery pipelines and target validation.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex research projects from concept to completion.
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments.
• Develop and validate assays for drug screening and characterization.
• Prepare detailed research reports, presentations, and manuscripts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including medicinal chemistry and pharmacology.
• Mentor junior scientists and foster scientific rigor.

Skills

Research leadership

Experimental design

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology or related field

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Research Scientist to join their innovative pharmaceutical research team in Pietermaritzburg . This role is pivotal in driving forward the development of new therapeutic compounds and drug delivery systems. You will be an integral part of a dedicated team focused on translating cutting-edge scientific discoveries into life-changing medicines. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the pharmaceutical industry, working within a dynamic environment that fosters scientific excellence and encourages collaborative problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct complex research projects from conception through to completion, focusing on novel drug discovery and development.
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo experiments , analyze data, and interpret results to guide research direction.
• Develop and validate new experimental assays and methodologies to support drug screening and characterization.
• Prepare detailed research reports, presentations, and manuscripts for scientific publications and internal reviews.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, and process development specialists.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and continuous learning within the team.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical research and development , with a strong publication record.
• Proven expertise in experimental design, execution, and data analysis using statistical software.
• Experience with drug discovery pipelines, target identification, and validation techniques.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in relevant laboratory techniques and equipment is essential for this role in Pietermaritzburg .

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences and training.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Access to state-of-the‑art research facilities and equipment.