Research and Development Assistant - Pharmaceutical

Talent Recruitment & Consulting (Pty) Ltd; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A pharmaceutical and animal health manufacturer is seeking a Research and Development Assistant to support the design and execution of research projects. This role involves assisting with formulation development, conducting product testing, and maintaining laboratory documentation. Candidates must hold a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related field and have 2-4 years of experience in a lab environment. The company offers a collaborative team environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Opportunity to join a growing manufacturer

Exposure to diverse R&D activities

Supportive team environment

Contribute to product quality and innovation

Qualifications

• 2-4 years experience in a pharmaceutical laboratory environment preferred.
• Familiarity with GMP, GLP, and ISO standards.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, UV-Vis, and dissolution testing is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support the research and development of new pharmaceutical and animal health products.
• Assist with formulation development and enhancement of existing products.
• Compile complete R&D project files to facilitate handover to production.
• Prepare laboratory samples for testing and trials.
• Conduct finished product testing (e.g. pH, viscosity, and related analyses).
• Compile Certificates of Conformance (CoCs) for finished products.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Clear communication skills

Computer literacy

Team-oriented

Education

Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

HPLC

UV-Vis

FTIR

Viscometers

Job description

Role Overview

The Research and Development Assistant will support the design, execution, and documentation of research projects, formulation development, and analytical testing. Working closely with the R&D Manager and wider teams, the role is critical in ensuring the successful development, testing, and handover of products to production.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the research and development of new pharmaceutical and animal health products
• Assist with formulation development and enhancement of existing products
• Compile complete R&D project files to facilitate handover to production
• Prepare laboratory samples for testing and trials
• Conduct finished product testing (e.g. pH, viscosity, and related analyses)
• Compile Certificates of Conformance (CoCs) for finished products
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, including Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) for raw materials
• Operate laboratory equipment such as FTIR, viscometers, and related instruments
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures, GMP, GLP, and ISO standards
• Maintain R&D laboratory inventory and incoming materials
• Manage retention sample storage and disposal in line with procedures as required
• Download, review, and share temperature logs with relevant stakeholders

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Bachelors degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline
• 2-4 years experience in a pharmaceutical laboratory environment preferred
• Familiarity with GMP, GLP, and ISO standards
• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, UV-Vis, and dissolution testing is advantageous

Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
• Ability to follow procedures and work independently
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Good computer literacy
• Team-oriented, proactive, and dependable approach

What the Client Offers

• Opportunity to join a growing pharmaceutical and animal health manufacturer
• Exposure to a wide range of R&D activities and products
• Supportive, collaborative team environment
• Opportunity to contribute directly to product quality and innovation

This role is ideal for candidates who are passionate about research, quality, and continuous improvement and who thrive in a structured laboratory setting.