QA Officer / Biochemist

Exceed HR and Recruitment; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency in South Africa is seeking a QA Officer/Biochemist in Pretoria. The role involves product development for animal health, ensuring GMP compliance, and effective internal and client communication. Ideal candidates should possess a degree in Biochemistry or a related field, with 1–2 years of relevant experience in a pharmaceutical or laboratory setting. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential. This position offers a dynamic environment for those passionate about scientific formulation.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in a pharmaceutical, veterinary, or lab environment.
• Proven experience in product development and formulation.
• Understanding of chemical reactions and stability in actives.

Responsibilities

• Develop new products for animal health and nutrition.
• Support daily QA activities ensuring GMP compliance.
• Communicate effectively with clients and internal teams.

Skills

Product development

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Degree or diploma in Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field

Job description

QA Officer / Biochemist job vacancyin Pretoria.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Formulation & Product Development
  • Develop new and innovative products for animal health and nutrition.
  • Formulate, optimise, stabilise, and improve liquid, gel, paste, oil, cream, syrup-based products, powders, and dry blends— particularly in complex and challenging formulations.
  • Conduct experimental trials and oversee approval processes for production.
  • Draft detailed manufacturing protocols and production processes for newly developed products.
  • Research chemical reactions and compatibilities in pesticide actives, botanicals, herbals, essential oils, solvents, biologicals, and nutraceutical components.
  • Source, evaluate, and arrange procurement of raw materials for trials and development.
  • Maintain strong relationships with mainstream pharma and food‑ingredient suppliers.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance
  • Support daily QA activities and ensure strict GMP compliance according to South African regulations.
  • Assist with documentation control, batch record review, and quality metrics tracking.
  • Oversee and participate in daily operations within the compounding facility.
  • Conduct product testing, validation work, and process improvement initiatives.
  • Ensure production teams follow correct processes; engage with staff when corrective action or training is required.
• Client & Internal Communication
  • Communicate professionally and confidently with clients, management, and team members.
  • Participate in client discussions, and lead meetings when required.
  • Train production staff on new processes and updates originating from R&D findings.

Requirements:

• Degree or diploma in Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific field.
• 1–2 years of experience in a pharmaceutical, veterinary, compounding, laboratory, or formulation environment (advantageous).
• Proven experience with product development and formulation—especially liquids, gels, pastes, oils, syrups, creams, powders, and dry blends.
• Understanding of chemical reactions and stability in pesticide actives, essential oils, botanicals, and biological ingredients.
• Knowledge of Act 36 of 1947 and/or Act 101 of 1965 (advantageous).
• Strong analytical skills, exceptional attention to detail, and a passion for solving formulation problems.
• Ability to source raw materials and manage supplier relationships.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to confidently engage clients and staff.
• Fully literate, physically fit, and able to work independently in a lab-based environment.
• Own reliable transport.