Senior Research Scientist - Analytical Chemistry

Placements24; Lorenziberg; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Career growth opportunities

Modern instrumentation access

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Research Scientist in Analytical Chemistry to lead method development and validation at our Queenstown facility. You will operate HPLC/UPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, FTIR and UV-Vis while mentoring junior chemists and ensuring regulatory compliance.

You will collaborate with R&D teams, interpret complex data, and stay at the forefront of analytical methods. A PhD or MSc and 5+ years of hands-on experience are required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Analytical Chemistry or closely related field.
• Min 5 years hands-on analytical chemistry experience.
• Extensive experience with HPLC/UPLC, GC and MS.
• Proficiency in NMR, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Experience with method development, validation and qualification.
• Experience with data analysis software and LIMS.
• Strong problem solving and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; works independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for materials and products.
• Operate and maintain HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, FTIR, and UV-Vis instruments.
• Perform complex analyses to support research and production.
• Interpret data and troubleshoot method or instrument issues.
• Prepare analytical reports for regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with R&D to meet analytical needs.
• Stay current with analytical chemistry advancements.
• Mentor junior analytical chemists.
• Ensure safety and quality standards compliance (GLP/ISO).

Skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Written communication

Verbal communication

Teamwork

Mentoring

Education

PhD/ MSc in Analytical Chemistry or related field

Tools

HPLC

UPLC

GC

LC-MS

GC-MS

NMR

FTIR

UV-Vis

LIMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in specialized chemical manufacturing and research, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Research Scientist specializing in Analytical Chemistry for our facility in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This role is central to ensuring the quality, purity, and characterization of novel chemical compounds and materials developed by our R&D teams. You will be responsible for developing, validating, and implementing advanced analytical methods using a range of state‑of‑the‑art instrumentation. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of chromatographic techniques (HPLC, GC), spectroscopic methods (MS, NMR, IR, UV-Vis), and other relevant analytical procedures. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on challenging scientific problems, contribute to product development, and mentor junior scientists within a robust research and development environment. We are committed to scientific excellence and innovation in chemical analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.
• Operate and maintain a suite of analytical instruments including HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectrometers.
• Perform routine and complex chemical analyses to support research and production.
• Interpret analytical data and troubleshoot method or instrument issues.
• Prepare detailed analytical reports and documentation for regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to understand analytical needs and provide solutions.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in analytical chemistry techniques and instrumentation.
• Mentor and train junior analytical chemists.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety and quality standards (e.g., GLP, ISO).

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in analytical chemistry, preferably in a research or industrial setting.
• Extensive experience with chromatographic techniques (HPLC, UPLC, GC) and mass spectrometry (LC‑MS, GC‑MS).
• Proficiency in spectroscopic methods such as NMR, IR, and UV-Vis.
• Strong understanding of method development, validation, and qualification principles.
• Experience with data analysis software and LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System).
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
• The position in Queenstown, Eastern Cape provides a stable work environment and opportunities for career advancement.
• We provide access to modern analytical instrumentation and foster a culture of scientific rigor and collaboration.
• Join our team and contribute to high‑quality chemical research and development.