Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and retirement benefits

Performance-based incentives

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist to design and execute multi-step syntheses of novel drug candidates. You will work at a state-of-the-art facility and contribute to medicinal chemistry efforts across SAR-driven projects.

You will purify compounds with chromatography and characterize them by NMR, MS and related methods, while maintaining detailed notebooks and collaborating with chemists to optimize routes.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or closely related field.
• Minimum 6 years postdoctoral or industry experience in synthetic organic chemistry with medicinal chemistry focus.
• Proven ability to design and execute complex multi-step syntheses.
• Experience with modern synthetic techniques and purification methods.
• Spectroscopic characterization expertise (NMR, MS).
• Knowledge of reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry.
• Excellent problem-solving and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
• Experience handling air- and moisture-sensitive reagents.
• Commitment to working in Randburg, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement efficient synthetic routes for target molecules, including complex natural products and drug candidates.
• Perform reactions from milligram to multi-gram scale.
• Purify synthesized compounds using chromatographic techniques (e.g., flash chromatography, HPLC).
• Characterize synthesized compounds using spectroscopic methods (e.g., NMR, MS, IR).
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and optimize reaction conditions.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists to iterate on SAR.
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory notebooks.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in synthetic organic chemistry and relevant literature.
• Ensure compliance with all laboratory safety protocols and procedures.
• Contribute to patent filings and scientific publications.

Skills

Medicinal chemistry

Multi-step synthesis

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

HPLC

Flash chromatography

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished pharmaceutical research company, is seeking an accomplished Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist to join their innovative drug discovery team. This integral role will be based at their state-of-the-art research facility in Randburg, Gauteng. The Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist will be responsible for designing and executing complex multi-step syntheses of novel small molecules, intermediates, and drug candidates. This position requires a deep expertise in organic synthesis, a strong understanding of reaction mechanisms, and a passion for medicinal chemistry. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of life-saving therapies and work alongside a team of highly skilled scientists in a collaborative environment within the vibrant Gauteng province. We are committed to scientific excellence and fostering an environment where innovation thrives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement efficient synthetic routes for target molecules, including complex natural products and drug candidates.
• Perform reactions from milligram to multi-gram scale.
• Purify synthesized compounds using chromatographic techniques (e.g., flash chromatography, HPLC).
• Characterize synthesized compounds using spectroscopic methods (e.g., NMR, MS, IR).
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and optimize reaction conditions.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists to iterate on structure-activity relationships (SAR).
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory notebooks.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in synthetic organic chemistry and relevant literature.
• Ensure compliance with all laboratory safety protocols and procedures.
• Contribute to patent filings and scientific publications.

Requirements

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of postdoctoral or industry experience in synthetic organic chemistry, with a strong focus on medicinal chemistry.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and executing complex multi-step syntheses.
• Proficiency with modern synthetic techniques and purification methods.
• Strong hands-on experience with spectroscopic characterization techniques (NMR, MS).
• Knowledge of reaction mechanisms and stereochemistry.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a contributing member of a research team.
• Experience with handling air- and moisture-sensitive reagents is essential.
• Commitment to working in Randburg, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, performance-based incentives, and ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
• This role provides a chance to make a significant impact on drug discovery in the dynamic landscape of Gauteng.
• Join our innovative team in Randburg and contribute to the development of next-generation therapeutics.