Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonuses

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking a Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist to lead design and synthesis of novel small molecules for drug discovery. You will oversee multi-step synthesis projects, mentor junior chemists, and collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists and pharmacologists to advance candidates from discovery through preclinical development.

The role requires a PhD in organic chemistry and at least six years of relevant experience, with a proven track record in

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum 6 years post-doctoral or industry experience in synthetic organic chemistry, focused on medicinal chemistry or drug discovery.
• Proven track record of synthesizing complex organic molecules.
• Strong SAR understanding and ability to apply synthetic strategies.
• Experience with parallel synthesis and purification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex multi-step synthetic routes for novel organic compounds.
• Synthesize small molecules for drug discovery programs using medicinal chemistry principles.
• Optimize synthetic procedures to improve yield, purity, and scalability.
• Purify and characterize synthesized compounds using NMR, LC-MS, HPLC, and related techniques.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to support drug discovery projects.
• Mentor and guide junior synthetic chemists, fostering development.
• Stay current with advancements in synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis, and related fields.
• Contribute to preparation of publications, patents, and research reports.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and maintain detailed laboratory records.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

Mass Spectrometry

HPLC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious pharmaceutical research institution based in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist. This critical role involves spearheading the design and synthesis of novel small molecules for drug discovery programs. The successful candidate will lead complex multi-step synthesis projects, mentor junior chemists, and contribute to the strategic direction of medicinal chemistry efforts. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art research environment in **Stellenbosch**, contributing to the development of life-saving therapies. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists to advance innovative drug candidates from discovery through preclinical development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute complex multi-step synthetic routes for novel organic compounds.
• Synthesize small molecules for drug discovery programs, focusing on medicinal chemistry principles.
• Optimize synthetic procedures to improve yield, purity, and scalability.
• Purify and characterize synthesized compounds using advanced analytical techniques (NMR, LC-MS, HPLC, etc.).
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to support drug discovery projects.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior synthetic chemists, fostering their technical and professional development.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis, and related fields.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific publications, patent applications, and research reports.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and maintain detailed laboratory records.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in synthetic organic chemistry, with a focus on medicinal chemistry or drug discovery.
• Proven track record of successful synthesis of complex organic molecules.
• Extensive knowledge of modern synthetic methodologies, reagents, and reaction mechanisms.
• Proficiency in compound characterization techniques (NMR, Mass Spectrometry, HPLC, etc.).
• Experience with parallel synthesis and purification techniques is desirable.
• Strong understanding of structure-activity relationships (SAR) and how to apply synthetic strategies to optimize them.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to lead research projects and mentor junior scientists.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary, potential for annual bonuses, and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• A robust retirement savings plan is offered, alongside generous paid time off.
• Professional development is strongly encouraged through internal training programs and external conferences.
• Relocation assistance may be available for candidates joining our **Stellenbosch, Western Cape** team.