Hybrid Lead Analytical Chemist: Method Development

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development & conferences

Generous paid time off

Modern analytical laboratories

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Lead Chemist to head the Analytical Development department in Paarl, Western Cape. You will lead a team of analytical chemists, develop and validate methods, and ensure GMP/ICH compliance while driving regulatory-ready data packages.

The role combines on-site laboratory leadership with flexible remote data analysis and reporting, offering access to advanced instrumentation and a collaborative, quality-focused environment for career growth.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in analytical method development and validation within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven experience leading and managing a team of scientists.
• Extensive hands-on experience with chromatographic techniques (HPLC, UPLC, GC) and spectroscopic methods.
• Strong GMP/ICH knowledge and regulatory submission experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of analytical chemists in method development and validation.
• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods (HPLC, GC, MS, UV-Vis, KF) for raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.
• Troubleshoot analytical issues during development and routine testing.
• Author and review validation reports, development protocols, and SOPs.
• Ensure GMP and regulatory compliance across activities.
• Collaborate with formulation development, QC, and regulatory affairs.
• Oversee instrumentation qualification and maintenance.
• Manage project timelines and resources in the analytics group.
• Stay updated on analytical tech and regulatory trends.
• Present strategies and findings to stakeholders and regulatory agencies.

Skills

Team leadership

Analytical chemistry

Regulatory awareness

Problem solving

Scientific communication

Education

PhD or MSc in Analytical/Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

UPLC

GC

MS

UV-Vis

KF

Job description

Placements24 invites applications for a Lead Chemist to head the Analytical Development department in Paarl, Western Cape. You will lead a team of analytical chemists, develop and validate methods, and ensure GMP/ICH compliance while driving regulatory-ready data packages.

The role combines on-site laboratory leadership with flexible remote data analysis and reporting, offering access to advanced instrumentation and a collaborative, quality-focused environment for career growth.