Medicinal Chemist

About the Role

Our client is seeking a creative and experienced Medicinal Chemist to join their drug discovery team in Upington. You will be instrumental in the design and synthesis of novel small molecules with therapeutic potential, contributing to the early-stage discovery of new medicines. This role requires a strong command of organic synthesis, structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis, and an understanding of drug discovery principles. Join a dynamic and collaborative research environment focused on innovation, contributing to the development of groundbreaking pharmaceutical compounds and working towards the discovery of new therapies for unmet medical needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel small molecule drug candidates targeting specific biological pathways.
• Plan and execute multi-step organic synthesis projects, including purification and characterization of synthesized compounds.
• Conduct structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to optimize lead compounds for potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties.
• Collaborate closely with biologists and computational chemists to define project goals and design synthetic strategies.
• Utilize modern synthetic methodologies and analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC) for compound characterization.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and contribute to patent applications and scientific publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in medicinal chemistry within the pharmaceutical or biotech sector.
• Proven expertise in modern organic synthesis techniques and a strong track record of synthesizing complex molecules.
• Experience in structure-based drug design and SAR analysis.
• Familiarity with computational chemistry tools and techniques is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, creativity, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates.
• Opportunities for professional development and scientific engagement.
• A stimulating research environment in Upington focused on cutting-edge drug discovery.
• Retirement savings plan.

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