Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus program

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Continued education and conference参与

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni is seeking a Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist to lead design and execution of multi-step syntheses for drug discovery in a cutting-edge laboratory.

The role requires a PhD in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry and at least 5 years of post-doctoral or industrial experience, with strong analytical skills (NMR, LC-MS, HPLC, GC-MS) and SAR-driven mindset. A collaborative, fast-paced R&D environment awaits.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry required.
• 5+ years of post-doctoral or industrial experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Proven expertise in designing and executing complex multi-step syntheses.
• Experience with SAR development and structure-based drug design is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute multi-step synthetic routes to produce novel small molecules for drug discovery programs.
• Perform complex organic synthesis, including asymmetric synthesis, catalysis, and heterocyclic chemistry.
• Utilize analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC) to characterize compounds and confirm structures.
• Optimize reaction conditions to improve yields, purity, and scalability.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to support SAR studies.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Maintain meticulous records of experimental procedures and results.
• Stay updated on advances in synthetic and medicinal chemistry literature.

Skills

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Multi-step synthesis design

Analytical techniques (NMR, LC-MS, HPL

SAR development knowledge

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Independent and collaborative work

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or related field

Tools

NMR

LC-MS

HPLC

GC-MS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical research and development company, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist to join their innovative drug discovery team in Benoni . This role is crucial for designing and synthesizing novel small molecules with therapeutic potential. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of modern organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry principles, and a proven track record of successfully delivering complex synthetic targets. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of new medicines, working in a state-of-the-art laboratory environment alongside a talented team of scientists. You will play a key role in advancing our client's pipeline from their Benoni headquarters.

Key Responsibilities Design and execute multi-step synthetic routes to produce novel small molecules for drug discovery programs. Perform complex organic synthesis, including asymmetric synthesis, catalysis, and heterocyclic chemistry. Utilize modern analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC) to characterize synthesized compounds and confirm structures. Optimize reaction conditions to improve yields, purity, and scalability of synthetic processes. Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to provide key chemical matter and support structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies. Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and develop innovative solutions to overcome synthetic hurdles. Maintain meticulous records of experimental procedures and results in laboratory notebooks. Stay updated on the latest advancements in synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry literature. Ensure all laboratory operations adhere to safety protocols and environmental guidelines in Benoni . Requirements Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field. A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industrial experience in synthetic organic chemistry. Proven expertise in designing and executing complex multi-step organic syntheses. Strong hands-on experience with a wide range of synthetic techniques and reagents. Proficiency in modern analytical techniques for compound characterization (NMR, LC-MS, HPLC, GC-MS). Experience with structure-based drug design principles and SAR development is highly desirable. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively about synthetic strategies. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present research findings effectively. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced R&D environment in Benoni . Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, alongside a generous annual bonus program. A comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance. We invest in our employees' professional growth through opportunities for continued education, conference participation, and access to cutting-edge scientific resources. Generous paid time off, including annual leave and sick leave, is provided. The role is based in Benoni , offering a stimulating and collaborative work environment with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Our client is dedicated to fostering a positive work-life balance. Opportunities for career advancement within the expanding organization are substantial.