Senior Research Scientist - Pharmacology

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Relocation assistance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Research Scientist in Pharmacology to lead preclinical studies in our Vereeniging R&D facility. You will design and execute pharmacology projects, evaluate drug candidates, and contribute to mechanism of action analyses that support regulatory submissions.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD and has 6+ years in drug discovery, with hands-on in vitro and in vivo models, strong molecular biology knowledge, and excellent scientific communication skills.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or related life science field.
• Minimum of 6 years of postgraduate research experience in drug discovery and development.
• Proven expertise in designing and conducting preclinical pharmacology studies, including PK/PD modeling.
• Hands-on experience with a variety of in vitro and in vivo pharmacology models and techniques.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology, biochemistry, and disease pathophysiology.
• Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies to assess drug efficacy and safety.
• Develop and validate novel assays to investigate drug mechanisms of action and target engagement.
• Analyze and present complex pharmacological data to internal teams and external collaborators.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and direction of drug discovery projects.
• Ensure adherence to GLP standards in all experimental work.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a culture of scientific excellence and collaboration.

Skills

Pharmacology expertise

Preclinical research

PK/PD modeling

In vitro/in vivo pharmacology

Scientific writing

Presentation skills

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or related life science

Tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Research Scientist with a specialization in Pharmacology to join their dynamic R&D team in Vereeniging . This role is central to advancing their pipeline of novel therapeutics by designing and conducting critical preclinical studies. You will be instrumental in evaluating drug candidates, understanding mechanisms of action, and contributing vital data to support regulatory submissions. This position offers a stimulating environment for a scientist passionate about translating complex biological insights into impactful medical solutions. The successful candidate will work in a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to pioneering new treatments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies to assess drug efficacy and safety.
• Develop and validate novel assays to investigate drug mechanisms of action and target engagement.
• Analyze and present complex pharmacological data to internal teams and external collaborators.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and direction of drug discovery projects.
• Ensure adherence to GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) standards in all experimental work.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a culture of scientific excellence and collaboration.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology , Toxicology, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of postgraduate research experience in drug discovery and development.
• Proven expertise in designing and conducting preclinical pharmacology studies, including PK/PD modeling.
• Hands-on experience with a variety of in vitro and in vivo pharmacology models and techniques.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology, biochemistry, and disease pathophysiology.
• Excellent scientific writing and presentation skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and attractive performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and relocation assistance.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending scientific conferences.
• A stimulating research environment in Vereeniging focused on therapeutic innovation.