Senior Development Chemist

Argenta; Manurewa; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Health insurance

On-site events

Fruit weekly

EAP support

Job summary

Argenta, a New Zealand animal health company, is seeking a Senior Development Chemist to join our CDO team. You will lead analytical method development from Concept to regulatory support and work with multinational clients and internal teams.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in pharmaceutical analytics, strong documentation skills, and a proactive, team-oriented mindset. This on-site role offers a competitive salary, annual bonus, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to shape innovative

Qualifications

• 10+ years in the pharmaceutical industry with analysis, development and validation of analytical methods
• Proven ability to generate high-quality technical documentation including validation protocols and regulatory support documents
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to scientific excellence to ensure compliant, fit-for-purpose work
• Energetic, driven, and able to find smarter, more efficient ways to work within a team

Responsibilities

• Conduct analyses, development and validation of analytical method projects
• Lead analytical projects from a technical and customer perspective
• Generate, document, and review technical data for clients and regulatory agencies
• Meet project deadlines and milestones on time
• Effectively communicate project progress to all stakeholders
• Provide technical training and mentoring to other team members

Skills

Analytical method development

Method validation

Technical writing

Project leadership

Client communication

English language

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

We are in the animal health business, partnering with our clients in the areas of Research and Development (R&D) and manufacturing to produce pharmaceuticals for both farm and companion animals. Originally founded in 2006 by a New Zealand chemist with an entrepreneurial mindset, Argenta’s vision is “Healthy Animals. Let’s Make It Happen, Together”. Our recipe for success has been our uniqueness in our vision and our people. Argenta now has operations across 6 sites with locations in New Zealand, the United States, Scotland, Spain, and Germany with over 900 employees globally.

About the role

With several exciting projects in the pipeline, we have a great opportunity for a Senior Development Chemist to join our CDO team.

This team conducts contract pharmaceutical development of animal health products that involves product development from Proof-of-Concept stage to product registration and is responsible for producing all source documents for regulatory submissions. Having a global client base, Argenta is unique in terms of the incredible variety of projects we undertake, so this role is sure to keep the right person busy and challenged.

You will be dealing with multi-national pharmaceutical companies located all over the world, therefore building and maintaining relationships is absolutely vital.

About you

Your background will be at least 10+ years in the pharmaceutical industry where you have conducted analysis, development and validation of analytical methods as well as lead previous projects.

You have a proven ability to generate high-quality technical documentation, including validation protocols, method development reports, stability reports, and regulatory support documents. Your attention to detail and commitment to scientific excellence ensure your work is accurate, compliant, and fit for purpose.

By nature, you’ll be an energetic, driven person with a desire to look for ways to do things smarter, more efficiently among the team.

Your key responsibilities will include

• Conducting analyses, development and validation of analytical method projects
• Leading analytical projects from a technical and customer perspective
• Generating, documenting, and reviewing technical data for clients and regulatory agencies of a high standard
• Meeting project deadlines and milestones on time
• Effectively communicate project progress to all stakeholders both internal and external
• Provide technical training and mentoring to other members of the team

Your background, experience and attributes will include

• A tertiary qualification of degree or higher in Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Strong relationship management and communication skills, both written and verbal (English is essential)
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry or related field
• Strong analytical technique knowledge and able to write high quality technical documents
• Proactive initiative that enjoys working both independently and within a team
• Approach problems with a solutions-focused mindset but able to manage your time effectively to deliver

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to join a unique and fast-growing business where your ideas matter, your skills will grow, and your contribution is genuinely valued. Along with a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy performance based yearly bonus, comprehensive insurance cover, access to EAP support, fresh fruit every week, and regular on-site events that bring people together.

You will also be part of a workplace that truly values its people and encourages collaboration, fresh thinking, and doing great work together. If you are an experienced professional looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, we want to hear from you!