Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medial coverage

Retirement savings options

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape seeks a Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist for a drug discovery team. You will design and synthesize novel compounds and develop scalable routes to support therapeutic programs.

You will work closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists, performing purification and characterization with NMR, MS, and HPLC, and contributing to reports and patents.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or related field with emphasis on synthetic chemistry.
• 5+ years post-PhD industrial experience in synthetic organic chemistry, preferably medicinal chemistry.
• Hands-on experience with a wide range of synthetic reactions and purification techniques.
• Proficiency with NMR, MS, and HPLC for structure confirmation.
• Ability to design novel synthetic pathways and solve complex problems.

Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel organic compounds for drug discovery programs using state-of-the-art methodologies.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot synthetic routes for target molecules with efficiency and scalability in mind.
• Purify and characterize synthesized compounds using NMR, MS, HPLC, and TLC.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to advance projects.
• Maintain meticulous lab notebooks and document procedures and results.
• Evaluate new synthetic technologies and methodologies for potential adoption.
• Manage multiple synthesis projects and meet deadlines.
• Contribute to scientific reports, publications, and patent filings.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

Mass Spectrometry

HPLC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized pharmaceutical research and development company, is seeking a Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist to join their dedicated drug discovery team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is central to the design and synthesis of novel small molecules with potential therapeutic applications. You will be responsible for developing efficient and scalable synthetic routes, executing complex organic transformations, and characterizing newly synthesized compounds. The ideal candidate will possess a deep expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry, a passion for medicinal chemistry, and a proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative R&D environment. This position offers a compelling opportunity to contribute to the advancement of new medicines.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel organic compounds for drug discovery programs using state-of-the-art synthetic methodologies.
• Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot synthetic routes for target molecules, focusing on efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Perform purification and structural characterization of synthesized compounds using techniques such as NMR, Mass Spectrometry, HPLC, and TLC.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to advance drug discovery projects.
• Maintain meticulous laboratory notebooks and document experimental procedures and results.
• Evaluate and implement new synthetic technologies and methodologies.
• Manage multiple synthesis projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet project deadlines.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports, publications, and patent applications.
• Ensure strict adherence to laboratory safety regulations and chemical handling procedures.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry.

Requirements

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or a related field with a strong emphasis on synthetic chemistry.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or relevant industrial experience in synthetic organic chemistry, preferably in medicinal chemistry.
• Extensive hands-on experience with a wide range of synthetic organic reactions and techniques.
• Proficiency in modern purification and analytical techniques, including NMR, MS, and HPLC.
• Strong understanding of reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, and retrosynthetic analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to design novel synthetic pathways and solve complex chemical problems.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage time and priorities effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Experience with process chemistry or scale-up is a plus.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary commensurate with experience, an excellent benefits package including comprehensive medical coverage, retirement savings options, and ample opportunities for professional development and training. The research facility in Mossel Bay, Western Cape is equipped with advanced instrumentation. We foster a dynamic and innovative work culture that values scientific rigor and collaboration. This role offers a chance to significantly contribute to impactful pharmaceutical research.