Lead Drug Discovery Chemist
Job in
Cape Town, 7561, South Africa
Listed on 2026-09-28
Listing for:
Placements24
Full Time
position Listed on 2026-09-28
Job specializations:
-
Science
Drug Discovery, Pharmaceutical Science/ Research, Research Scientist
Job Description & How to Apply Below
About the Role
Our client is seeking an innovative and experienced Lead Drug Discovery Chemist to spearhead critical projects within their pharmaceutical research division in Cape Town . You will play a crucial role in identifying, synthesizing, and optimizing novel small molecules with therapeutic potential. This position requires a deep understanding of medicinal chemistry principles and a proven track record of contributing to drug discovery programs.
The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative setting, working closely with biologists, pharmacologists, and analytical chemists to advance candidates from hit identification through to preclinical development, driving significant contributions to unmet medical needs.
- Design and synthesize novel chemical entities targeting various disease pathways.
- Develop and validate robust synthetic routes for library synthesis and lead optimization efforts.
- Collaborate with biological teams to establish structure-activity relationships (SAR) and structure-property relationships (SPR).
- Utilize computational chemistry tools and databases to guide design and prioritize targets.
- Manage project timelines, resources, and external collaborations effectively to ensure project milestones are met.
- Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in drug discovery within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.
- Expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, including modern synthetic methodologies and purification techniques.
- Strong understanding of ADMET properties and their impact on drug development.
- Demonstrated leadership experience and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Highly competitive salary and incentive bonus program.
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage and retirement planning.
- Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.
- Access to advanced chemical synthesis and analytical equipment.
- A dynamic and collaborative research environment in Cape Town fostering scientific growth.
To View & Apply for jobs on this site that accept applications from your location or country, tap the button below to make a Search.
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).
Search for further Jobs Here:
×