Senior Analytical Chemist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Training & development

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay seeks a Senior Analytical Chemist to join the Quality Control and Assurance team. You will develop, validate, and implement analytical methods to ensure purity, potency, and quality of pharmaceutical products.

Hybrid lab work with potential for remote tasks; strong GMP/ICH knowledge is essential. The role requires a PhD or MSc with 5+ years in pharma analytics, expertise in chromatography and spectroscopy, and leadership for mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Analytical Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in analytical chemistry within the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, ICH guidelines, and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished pharmaceutical products using HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR, and dissolution testing.
• Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing according to established protocols and regulatory guidelines (e.g., GMP, ICH).
• Analyze and interpret analytical data, troubleshooting deviations or out-of-specification results.
• Prepare detailed documentation, including method validation reports, SOPs, and analytical test results.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and quality assurance teams to address analytical challenges and support product development.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring calibration and proper functioning.
• Stay updated on current analytical technologies and regulatory trends in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Mentor junior analytical chemists and provide technical guidance.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Regulatory compliance

Attention to detail

Education

MSc/PhD in Analytical Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

HPLC

GC

UV-Vis

FTIR

Dissolution testing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the pharmaceutical sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Analytical Chemist to join their Quality Control and Assurance department. This vital role is based at our advanced facility in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . You will be responsible for developing, validating, and implementing analytical methods to ensure the purity, potency, and quality of our pharmaceutical products. The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in analytical chemistry techniques, rigorous attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of regulatory requirements within the pharmaceutical industry. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to product safety and efficacy in a challenging and rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished pharmaceutical products using techniques such as HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR, and dissolution testing.
• Perform routine and non-routine analytical testing according to established protocols and regulatory guidelines (e.g., GMP, ICH).
• Analyze and interpret analytical data, troubleshooting any deviations or out-of-specification results.
• Prepare detailed documentation, including method validation reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and analytical test results.
• Collaborate with R&D, production, and quality assurance teams to address analytical challenges and support product development.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring calibration and proper functioning.
• Stay updated on current analytical technologies and regulatory trends in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Mentor junior analytical chemists and provide technical guidance.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in analytical chemistry within the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry.
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with chromatographic techniques (HPLC, GC) and spectroscopic methods.
• Proficiency in method development and validation according to ICH guidelines.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other relevant regulatory standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively in a hybrid work setting.
• Experience with dissolution testing and other pharmaceutical quality control methods is a plus.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and a performance-driven bonus structure. We are committed to employee development, offering opportunities for advanced training, conference attendance, and career progression. Employees benefit from a supportive and collaborative work environment, access to modern analytical instrumentation, and the satisfaction of contributing to high-quality pharmaceutical products. This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, balancing on-site laboratory work with remote flexibility.