Senior Analytical Chemist - Pharmaceutical Development

Placements24; Southampton; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Analytical Chemist to lead analytical development in a pharmaceutical setting. Based in Randburg, the role focuses on developing, validating, and supporting robust analytical methods for drug substances and products.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD or MSc in Analytical Chemistry with 5+ years of pharmaceutical experience, strong chromatography and spectroscopy skills, and experience with regulatory submissions and lifecycle management.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in analytical development within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong expertise in chromatography (HPLC, UPLC, GC) and spectroscopy (UV-Vis, IR, MS).
• Proficiency with dissolution testing, Karl Fischer titration, and other analytical techniques.
• In-depth understanding of ICH guidelines, pharmacopeial methods (USP, EP), and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent data interpretation, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate analytical methods for raw materials, intermediates, and finished drug products using HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, and dissolution testing.
• Perform routine and non-routine analysis to assess identity, purity, potency, and stability.
• Characterize impurities and degradation products and quantify them.
• Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation with proper calibration.
• Troubleshoot method deviations and instrument malfunctions.
• Prepare reports, validation protocols, and regulatory documentation.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and quality control.

Skills

Analytical chemistry expertise

Data interpretation

Problem-solving

Independent working

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry

MSc in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

HPLC/UPLC

GC

UV-Vis

IR

MS

Karl Fischer titration

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Analytical Chemist to play a crucial role in their Pharmaceutical Development division in Randburg . This position is vital for ensuring the quality, purity, and stability of drug substances and products through the development and validation of robust analytical methods. You will work within a state-of-the-art laboratory, collaborating with formulation scientists and quality control teams to support regulatory submissions and product lifecycle management. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to patient health by ensuring the highest standards of pharmaceutical quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for raw materials, intermediates, and finished drug products using techniques like HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, and dissolution testing.
• Perform routine and non-routine analysis of pharmaceutical samples to assess identity, purity, potency, and stability.
• Characterize impurities and degradation products, and develop methods for their quantification.
• Operate and maintain sophisticated analytical instrumentation, ensuring proper calibration and function.
• Troubleshoot analytical method deviations and instrument malfunctions.
• Prepare detailed analytical reports, method validation protocols, and summary documentation for regulatory filings.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and quality control departments.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in analytical development within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong expertise in chromatography (HPLC, UPLC, GC) and spectroscopy (UV-Vis, IR, MS).
• Proficiency with dissolution testing, Karl Fischer titration, and other relevant analytical techniques.
• In-depth understanding of ICH guidelines, pharmacopeial methods (USP, EP), and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent data interpretation, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan with company contributions.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment dedicated to pharmaceutical excellence.