Senior Research Scientist - Pharmaceutical Chemistry

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Performance bonuses

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, seeks a Senior Research Scientist in Pharmaceutical Chemistry to lead synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry efforts, develop scalable routes, and drive drug discovery in a state-of-the-art facility.

The role requires a Ph.D. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry, at least 6 years in pharma R&D, hands-on synthesis, SAR studies, and collaboration with biologists and pharmacologists. On-site position emphasizing safety and publishing results.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry required.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant industry experience in pharmaceutical R&D.
• Extensive hands-on experience in multi-step synthesis and analytical characterization.
• Experience with SAR studies and literature analysis.
• Ability to work independently and mentor junior chemists.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel small molecules for therapeutic applications.
• Develop and optimize synthetic routes for lead compounds and drug candidates.
• Characterize synthesized compounds using NMR, MS, HPLC, and related techniques.
• Conduct SAR studies to guide drug discovery decisions.
• Collaborate with biologists, pharmacologists, and chemists to advance programs.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and propose solutions.
• Contribute to patents and publications.
• Ensure safety and quality in the Rustenburg laboratory and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Excellent problem-solving skills

Strong collaborative spirit

Effective communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical research organization, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Research Scientist specializing in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. This critical role is based in our state-of-the-art facility in Rustenburg, North West . You will be at the frontier of drug discovery and development, focusing on synthetic organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and process development. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of chemical principles, a proven track record of innovation in synthetic routes, and a passion for bringing novel therapeutics to market. This is an on-site position, essential for leveraging our advanced laboratory infrastructure and fostering close collaboration within our R&D teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel small molecules for therapeutic applications.
• Develop and optimize synthetic routes for lead compounds and drug candidates.
• Characterize synthesized compounds using a range of analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC, etc.).
• Conduct structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies.
• Collaborate closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and other chemists to advance drug discovery programs.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and propose innovative solutions.
• Contribute to patent applications and scientific publications.
• Ensure adherence to all safety protocols and laboratory best practices in Rustenburg, North West .
• Mentor junior chemists and contribute to team development.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant industry experience in pharmaceutical R&D.
• Extensive hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry, including multi-step synthesis.
• Proficiency in modern analytical techniques for compound characterization.
• Strong understanding of medicinal chemistry principles and drug discovery processes.
• Experience with literature searching and patent analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
• Strong collaborative spirit and effective communication skills for an on-site team environment in Rustenburg, North West .
• Commitment to laboratory safety and quality standards.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary, performance-based bonuses, a comprehensive benefits package including medical and retirement plans, and significant opportunities for professional growth. You will work with cutting-edge instrumentation and have the chance to contribute to impactful therapeutic advancements. The role is based in Rustenburg, North West , providing a dynamic environment within South Africa. We are committed to fostering a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and teamwork.