Principal Scientist - Analytical Chemistry

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an experienced Principal Scientist to lead the Analytical Chemistry department. This senior role develops and validates state-of-the-art analytical methods to support product development and quality control, and oversees a team of chemists and technicians.

You will guide investigations, ensure GMP and ISO compliance, and collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and QA to support the product lifecycle.

Qualifications

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry or related field.
• 8+ years in analytical chemistry with leadership experience.
• Expertise in chromatography and spectroscopy.
• Experience with GMP and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, validation, and implementation of advanced analytical methods.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the analytical chemistry laboratory.
• Provide mentorship to a team of analytical scientists and technicians.
• Troubleshoot analytical challenges and lead investigations into out-of-specification results.
• Ensure GMP/ISO and internal quality standard compliance.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and QA to support product lifecycle.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Leadership

Chromatography

Spectroscopy

Method validation

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Team development

Education

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GC-MS

ICP-MS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an experienced and innovative Principal Scientist to lead their Analytical Chemistry department in Richards Bay . This senior role is crucial for developing and validating state-of-the-art analytical methods to support product development and quality control. You will oversee a team of analytical chemists, guide complex investigations, and ensure the highest standards of scientific integrity and regulatory compliance. This is a leadership opportunity for a seasoned professional passionate about advancing analytical science in a dynamic industrial setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, validation, and implementation of advanced analytical methods using techniques such as HPLC, GC-MS, and ICP-MS.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the analytical chemistry laboratory, ensuring efficient workflow and resource management.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to a team of analytical scientists and technicians.
• Troubleshoot complex analytical challenges and lead investigations into out-of-specification results.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory guidelines (e.g., GMP, ISO) and internal quality standards.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams to support product lifecycle management.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in analytical chemistry, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Deep expertise in various analytical instrumentation and methodologies, including chromatography and spectroscopy.
• Proven experience in method validation and regulatory compliance within a GMP environment.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and project management skills.
• Strong leadership capabilities and the ability to inspire and develop a technical team.

Benefits

• Highly attractive salary and performance-based bonus program.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund, and life assurance.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates.
• Access to advanced analytical instrumentation and professional development opportunities.
• A challenging and rewarding role within a leading industrial research organization.