Senior Computational Chemist - Drug Discovery

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical research organization, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Computational Chemist to join their innovative drug discovery team. This role will involve utilizing advanced computational techniques to design and optimize novel drug candidates. You will play a crucial role in the early stages of drug development, applying your expertise in molecular modeling, simulations, and cheminformatics to accelerate the discovery process.

This position is based in our modern research facility in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA
, offering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for flexibility between working from home and contributing in person at our state-of-the-art laboratories.

• Apply computational chemistry methods (e.g., molecular dynamics, docking, QM/MM) to design and evaluate potential drug candidates.
• Develop and implement virtual screening strategies to identify novel hits.
• Analyze and interpret large chemical and biological datasets to guide lead optimization.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, biologists, and pharmacologists to integrate computational findings into the drug discovery workflow.
• Develop and maintain cheminformatics databases and analysis tools.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in computational chemistry and drug discovery methodologies.
• Present research findings to project teams and senior management.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of research projects and intellectual property generation.
• Ensure the quality and reproducibility of computational studies.
• Mentor junior computational chemists and provide technical guidance.

• Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, Physical Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in computational chemistry within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proven experience with molecular modeling software (e.g., Schrödinger, MOE, GROMACS, NAMD).
• Expertise in techniques such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and QSAR.
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python, and experience with cheminformatics toolkits (e.g., RDKit, Open Babel).
• Strong understanding of organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience with data visualization tools and scientific databases.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment.

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and an attractive benefits package.

• comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• a generous retirement savings plan with company matching
• substantial paid time off
• professional development opportunities supported through training programs and conference attendance

This position in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA offers a stimulating career path in pharmaceutical research.