Scientist: AMD Chemistry

Biovac; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading vaccine manufacturer in Africa is seeking a Scientist: AMD Chemistry to develop and validate HPLC methods. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 2-3 years of experience in a pharmaceutical or vaccine environment. Responsibilities include HPLC analysis, documentation compliance, and driving innovation in laboratory processes.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of hands-on HPLC experience, including method development, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Experience in product development of vaccines or biologicals.
• Knowledge of cGMP and GLP guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HPLC-based analytical methods for product characterization.
• Perform routine HPLC analysis and troubleshoot assays.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP guidelines.

Skills

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Analytical method development

Budgeting and Cost Control

Risk Mitigation

Education

Bachelors degree or diploma in Microbiology/Biochemistry/Chemistry/Process Engineering

Job description

Overview

BIOVAC is one of the leading sterile vaccine manufacturers rooted in Africa, with our core purpose being to "protect life". We are looking to hire a dynamic, passionate, confident, proactive and Scientist: AMD Chemistry to join a goal-oriented team.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or diploma in Microbiology/Biochemistry/Chemistry/Process Engineering or equivalent.
• Recognition is given to Prior Learning and practical experience.

Necessary Experience & Industry Knowledge

• 2-3 years of hands-on High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) experience, including method development, validation, and troubleshooting, preferably in a pharmaceutical, vaccine, or biologicals environment.
• Strong experience in the Product development of vaccines and/or biologicals and associated equipment.
• Proven hands-on expertise in HPLC, including method development, validation, and troubleshooting, preferably in a vaccine, biologicals, or pharmaceutical setting.
• Exposure and understanding of scientific principles that governs production of vaccines and /or biologicals.
• Knowledge of cGMP (SA, PIC, WHO) and GLP guidelines.
• Knowledge of bio-safety principles.
• Ability to work under biosafety level 3 containment.
• Experience in having faced successfully local quality audits would be an advantage.

Key Duties & Responsibilities of the Role

• Laboratory Administration including Budgeting and Cost Control (Assists with group/ unit budgeting, follows a cost-conscious culture within own department/ group/ unit).
• Ensure services are delivered to all internal and/ or external stakeholders as defined and as per agreed timelines.
• Risk and Anticipation Mitigation to ensure that all work done is in accordance with current standards/processes and assist Senior Scientist/Group Leader to identify anticipated risks impacting group/ unit/ team.
• Develop and implement HPLC-based analytical methods to support in-process control, and final product characterization.
• Perform routine HPLC analysis, interpret data, and troubleshoot assays to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Follow cGMP guidelines and ensure all Change Controls/ NCRs etc. are effectively managed to support QA processes.
• Mitigate obvious risks on site and submit job cards to address facility issues/ risks as per the process set by Engineering.
• Close all actions assigned to self/ staff member as per EHS committee agreed deadlines.
• Provide assistance, guidance, problem solving or input to the operational departments as required and agreed.
• Responsible and accountable for the generation of applicable documentation in accordance with current scientific, GMP and GDP guidelines.
• Responsible for biological product and process development, which could include upstream (microbial cultivation) and down- stream processes (purification) and analytical method development (microbial, immunological, chemical).
• Responsible for experimental design, planning, execution, problem solving and recording.
• Assist with technology transfers from development to manufacturing (including manufacture of material to be used in clinical trials).
• Driving Innovation and Continuous Improvement.
• Compilation of Deviations, Change Controls, CAPAs.

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: 30 September 2025

If you do not receive a response from us within three weeks of submitting your application, please understand that your application was not successful.

Disclaimer

Dear Applicant, we appreciate your interest in joining our organization. It is imperative for us that you understand how we handle your information. We are committed to ensuring the security and confidentiality of the information you provide. Your personal details will be collected for the sole purpose of the application process and will be used strictly for that purpose. By applying, you acknowledge and consent to the collection, use, and protection of your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy. If you have any inquiries or concerns, our Human Capital department is available to provide clarification. We look forward to reviewing your application.