Lead Analytical Chemist for Pharmaceutical Quality Control

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Analytical Chemist to oversee the quality control laboratories in Mahikeng, North West. The role focuses on ensuring purity, potency, and batch release through rigorous analytical testing and method development.

You will manage a team of chemists, validate methods, and ensure GMP/ICH compliance while deploying HPLC, GC, MS, UV-Vis and spectroscopic techniques. Excellent leadership and meticulous attention to detail are essential.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or related field.
• 7+ years in analytical chemistry within the pharmaceutical industry.
• 2+ years in a supervisory role.
• Hands-on with HPLC, GC and other instrumentation.
• Knowledge of GMP, ICH, USP/EP regulations.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Experience in method development, validation and transfer.
• Data integrity and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily operations of the pharmaceutical quality control laboratory.
• Develop, validate, and transfer analytical methods for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Perform complex analytical testing using HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, IR, MS, and titration.
• Ensure all analytics comply with GMP and regulatory guidelines.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and resolve method-related issues.
• Train and mentor junior analytical chemists; foster growth.
• Review and approve analytical data, reports, and specifications.
• Manage laboratory equipment, consumables, and calibration programs.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical chemistry expertise

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

MSc or PhD in Analytical Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

HPLC

GC

MS

UV-Vis

IR

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Analytical Chemist to oversee their quality control laboratories in Mahikeng, North West. This crucial role involves ensuring the purity, potency, and consistency of pharmaceutical products through rigorous analytical testing and method development. The Lead Analytical Chemist will manage a team of analytical chemists, supervise routine testing, validate analytical methods, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., GMP, ICH). You will leverage your expertise in various analytical techniques, including HPLC, GC, MS, and spectroscopy, to support product development and release. This position requires strong leadership skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of pharmaceutical quality systems. Located in Mahikeng, North West, this role offers a significant opportunity to contribute to public health by ensuring the quality and safety of essential medicines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operations of the pharmaceutical quality control laboratory.
• Develop, validate, and transfer analytical methods for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Perform complex analytical testing using techniques such as HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, IR, MS, and titration.
• Ensure all analytical activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and relevant regulatory guidelines.
• Troubleshoot analytical instrumentation and resolve method-related issues.
• Train and mentor junior analytical chemists, fostering their technical growth.
• Review and approve analytical data, reports, and specifications.
• Manage laboratory equipment, consumables, and calibration programs.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in analytical chemistry within the pharmaceutical industry, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Extensive hands-on experience with a variety of analytical instrumentation and chromatographic techniques (HPLC, GC).
• In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical GMP regulations, ICH guidelines, and pharmacopoeias (USP, EP).
• Proven experience in method development, validation, and transfer.
• Strong understanding of data integrity principles and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.
• Experience working in Mahikeng, North West or similar pharmaceutical manufacturing environments is preferred.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance-based incentives and comprehensive benefits such as medical aid, a provident fund, and paid time off.
• We provide continuous professional development opportunities, including training programs and support for attending industry conferences.
• The Mahikeng, North West facility is modern and well-equipped, fostering a safe and collaborative work environment.
• We prioritize employee well-being and offer a good work-life balance.
• Join a company dedicated to producing high-quality pharmaceuticals that impact lives globally.