Principal Scientist - Analytical Chemistry

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive benefits

Cutting-edge instrumentation access

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Scientist in Analytical Chemistry to join the Rustenburg R&D division. You will develop, validate, and transfer advanced analytical methods to support new product development and quality control, acting as a technical authority for complex challenges and data integrity.

You will lead a team of chemists, supervise instrumentation (HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, NMR), and ensure GLP compliance while driving continuous improvement and regulatory readiness across projects.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or closely related field.
• Minimum 12 years of hands-on method development, validation and transfer in regulated environments.
• Strong chromatography and mass spectrometry expertise with GLP understanding.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate advanced analytical methods for complex chemistries.
• Lead investigations of out-of-spec results and implement CAPAs.
• Mentor analytical chemists and technicians and oversee instrumentation.
• Interpret data, prepare reports, and present to management and regulators.
• Stay current with analytical technologies and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a distinguished Principal Scientist with deep expertise in Analytical Chemistry to join their esteemed R&D division in Rustenburg . This senior role is responsible for developing and validating sophisticated analytical methodologies to support new product development and quality control initiatives. You will serve as a key technical authority, guiding complex analytical challenges and ensuring the integrity and reliability of scientific data. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a profound understanding of various analytical techniques and a passion for advancing scientific rigor, playing a crucial role in maintaining the highest standards of product quality and regulatory compliance within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate advanced analytical methods for the characterization of complex chemical entities and formulations.
• Lead the investigation of out-of-specification results and implement corrective and preventative actions (CAPAs).
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to a team of analytical chemists and technicians.
• Oversee the qualification and maintenance of sophisticated analytical instrumentation, including HPLC, GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-MS, and NMR spectrometers.
• Interpret complex analytical data, prepare comprehensive reports, and present findings to senior management and regulatory bodies.
• Stay abreast of emerging analytical technologies and regulatory requirements, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the industry.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 12 years of hands-on experience in analytical method development, validation, and transfer in a regulated environment.
• Extensive knowledge of various analytical techniques and instrumentation, with a strong emphasis on chromatography and mass spectrometry.
• Proven experience in troubleshooting complex analytical problems and leading method validation efforts.
• Strong understanding of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and relevant regulatory guidelines.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and presentation skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive executive benefits.
• Opportunity to lead critical analytical projects with significant impact.
• Access to cutting-edge analytical instrumentation and advanced scientific resources in Rustenburg.
• Professional development programs and support for continuous learning.
• A stimulating and collaborative work environment at the forefront of scientific innovation.