Lead Analytical Chemist

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, North West, seeks a Lead Analytical Chemist to head its advanced laboratory. The role requires strong leadership, method development, validation, and troubleshooting across HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, FTIR, and related techniques in a regulated industrial setting.

You will manage a team of analytical chemists, ensure GLP compliance, review data, and collaborate with R&D, Quality Control and Production to drive product development and process improvements, while staying

Qualifications

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive analytical chemistry experience in regulated environments.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Experience with HPLC, GC, and mass spectrometry.
• Familiarity with pharmacopeial standards (USP, EP) and regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of analytical chemists.
• Develop, validate, and implement new analytical methods.
• Operate and maintain instrumentation (HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, ICP-MS, FTIR).
• Troubleshoot analytical instrumentation and methodologies.
• Investigate OOS results and implement CAPAs.
• Ensure GLP compliance and quality management systems.
• Review and approve analytical data and validation protocols.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality Control and Production.
• Stay updated on regulatory requirements and advancements.
• Manage laboratory resources and inventory.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Analytical development

HPLC

GC-MS

LC-MS

NMR

Regulatory compliance

Data analysis

Written communication

Education

M.Sc./Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or related

Tools

HPLC

GC-MS

LC-MS

NMR

ICP-MS

FTIR

UV-Vis

LIMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and highly capable Lead Analytical Chemist to head their advanced analytical laboratory in **Rustenburg, North West**. This senior position is critical to ensuring the quality, integrity, and innovation of our client's product development and manufacturing processes. You will be responsible for overseeing a team of analytical chemists, driving method development, validation, and troubleshooting for a wide array of chemical analyses. The role demands a strong theoretical and practical understanding of various analytical techniques, including chromatography (HPLC, GC), spectroscopy (MS, NMR, UV-Vis, FTIR), and wet chemistry methods. Located in **Rustenburg**, this position offers the chance to work in a state-of-the-art facility, contributing to key scientific advancements in a robust industrial setting. We are looking for a leader who can foster a high-performance culture, ensure regulatory compliance, and champion scientific excellence within the laboratory and across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of analytical chemists, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance management.
• Develop, validate, and implement new analytical methods for raw materials, intermediates, and finished products according to regulatory guidelines (e.g., ICH, FDA, ISO).
• Operate and maintain sophisticated analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, ICP-MS, and FTIR.
• Troubleshoot analytical instrumentation and methodologies, resolving complex technical issues effectively.
• Conduct detailed investigations into out-of-specification (OOS) results and implement corrective and preventative actions (CAPAs).
• Ensure all laboratory activities comply with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and relevant quality management systems.
• Review and approve analytical data, reports, and method validation protocols.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality Control, and Production departments to support product development and process improvements.
• Stay updated on regulatory requirements and scientific advancements in analytical chemistry.
• Manage laboratory resources, including instrument calibration, maintenance schedules, and chemical inventory.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in analytical chemistry within a regulated environment (e.g., pharmaceutical, chemical industry).
• Extensive hands‑on experience with a variety of analytical techniques, particularly HPLC, GC, and mass spectrometry.
• Proven experience in method development, validation, and transfer.
• Strong understanding of pharmacopeial standards (e.g., USP, EP) and regulatory guidelines.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and a meticulous approach to data analysis and interpretation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Experience with LIMS and other laboratory information management systems.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment in **Rustenburg**.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, provident fund, and performance bonuses. Employees have access to modern laboratory facilities and opportunities for continuous professional development, including training on new technologies and attendance at industry conferences. The company fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture within **Rustenburg, North West**, promoting work‑life balance and career growth. Additional benefits include opportunities for international travel for training and collaboration.