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Vitalis Mbayo

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About Member

Bio

I serve as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Zimbabwe Cancer Care for Families Organisation (ZiCCAFO). I am an accomplished Computational Medicinal Chemist dedicated to advancing cancer drug discovery through innovative computational methodologies. With expertise in medicinal chemistry, molecular mechanics, density functional theory, molecular modelling, and QSAR analysis, I design impactful computational models to accelerate the identification and optimisation of novel therapeutics. By integrating AI-driven modelling, machine learning, molecular dynamics, and predictive toxicology, I bridge theoretical chemistry and clinical application, reducing lead optimisation cycles and enhancing drug candidate success rates. I bring a unique blend of scientific rigour and regulatory insight, with extensive experience in Pharmacovigilance and Clinical Trial data analysis. My contributions have supported the successful submission of multiple INDs and NDAs, ensuring full compliance with international regulatory standards, including FDA, EMA, and ICH guidelines. I am adept at translating complex computational data into actionable insights for cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration between computational, synthetic, and clinical scientists. Throughout my career, I have spearheaded innovative partnerships with leading research institutes and driven the adoption of cutting-edge computational workflows and custom machine learning pipelines. I possess extensive experience in leveraging high-performance computing environments through external terminals, utilising advanced Bash and Python scripting to efficiently manage and submit complex job input files. My expertise encompasses a broad range of quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics calculations, particularly within the context of drug discovery. With a strong background in computational chemistry and pharmaceutical research, I have optimised computational workflows and automated data processing to drive innovative solutions. I am self-taught in Microsoft Office, achieving superlative proficiency in the suite, which led to over two years as a Tutor and a subsequent role as a Senior Tutor for End User Computing. My leadership style is grounded in strong ethics, clear communication, and a commitment to scientific excellence, consistently delivering results that align with both business objectives and patient needs. I am eager to connect with forward-thinking organisations and global teams seeking to advance their drug discovery pipelines through data-driven innovation and strategic scientific leadership.

Education

  • University of Johannesburg
    Degree Doctorate of Philosophy in Chemistry - Computational Chemistry and Molecular Modeling
    Field of Study Chemical Sciences
    Start Date 01/2024
    End Date 01/2026
  • University of Johannesburg
    Degree Masters of Science Degree in Computational Chemistry
    Field of Study Chemical Sciences
    Start Date 01/2022
    End Date 01/2023
  • Chinhoyi University of Technology
    Degree Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Chemistry - Major in Medicinal Chemistry
    Field of Study Natural Sciences and Mathematics
    Start Date 01/2014
    End Date 01/2018

Experience

UO

Laboratory demonstrator

University of Johannesburg •

01/2026 – 01/2026 •

Chemical Sciences

UO

SENIOR TUTOR

University of Johannesburg •

01/2025 – 01/2025 •

Applied Information Systems

UO

TUTOR: COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR MODELLING

University of Johannesburg •

01/2025 – 01/2025 •

Chemical Sciences

MC

Regulatory Officer

Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe •

01/2019 – 01/2022 •

Pharmacovigilance and Clinical Trials Division (PVCT)