Senior Analytical Chemist

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Generous annual leave

Professional development & training

State-of-the-art instrumentation

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng seeks a Senior Analytical Chemist to lead complex analytical projects. You will develop, validate, and execute methods for raw materials, intermediates, and finished products using HPLC/UPLC, GC, MS, KF, and dissolution testing, ensuring data quality for regulatory submissions.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or Master’s in Analytical Chemistry with 5–7 years pharma/CRO experience, strong communication, and mentoring skills, and a deep understanding of ICH

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Analytical/Pharmaceutical Chemistry or related field.
• 5–7 years hands-on analytical chemistry experience, preferably in pharma/CRO.
• Strong method development and validation experience for small molecules using HPLC/UPLC, GC and MS.
• Thorough GMP/GLP knowledge and data integrity mindset.
• Mentor/leadership ability and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and transfer analytical methods for small molecules and biologics.
• Perform routine and non-routine analyses per regulatory guidelines.
• Troubleshoot and maintain analytical instruments and calibrations.
• Interpret data, prepare reports, and review junior analysts’ work.
• Guide a team of analytical chemists and technicians.
• Collaborate with clients and project managers on analytical strategies.
• Ensure GLP/GMP compliance and stay updated on regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to method optimization and process improvements.

Skills

HPLC/UPLC

Mass spectrometry

Dissolution testing

Data interpretation

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry

Master's in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

GC

Karl Fischer (KF)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading contract research organization (CRO) providing comprehensive analytical services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and chemical industries. We are seeking an experienced Senior Analytical Chemist to lead critical analytical projects within our state-of-the-art laboratory located in **Randburg, Gauteng**. This role will involve the development, validation, and execution of complex analytical methods for the characterization of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products. You will utilize a wide range of advanced instrumentation and contribute to ensuring the quality and integrity of data for regulatory submissions. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in various analytical techniques and a strong understanding of ICH guidelines and GMP principles. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in a challenging and rewarding analytical science role.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and transfer analytical methods for small molecules and biologics using techniques such as HPLC, UPLC, GC, MS, KF, and dissolution testing.
• Perform routine and non-routine analysis of pharmaceutical samples according to established protocols and regulatory guidelines.
• Troubleshoot and maintain analytical instrumentation, ensuring optimal performance and calibration.
• Interpret analytical data, prepare comprehensive reports, and review data generated by junior analysts.
• Provide scientific and technical guidance to a team of analytical chemists and technicians.
• Collaborate with clients and internal project managers to define analytical strategies and project timelines.
• Ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Stay updated on current analytical technologies and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to method optimization and process improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on experience in analytical chemistry, preferably within a pharmaceutical or CRO setting.
• Extensive experience with method development and validation for small molecules using HPLC/UPLC, GC, and mass spectrometry.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining various analytical instruments.
• Thorough understanding of ICH guidelines, pharmacopoeias (USP, EP), and GMP/GLP regulations.
• Strong data interpretation skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work independently.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to mentor junior staff.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet strict deadlines.
• Must be legally eligible to work in **Randburg, Gauteng, ZA**.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with potential for performance-based increases.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and advanced training.
• Access to state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation and laboratory facilities.
• Dynamic and supportive work environment.
• Retirement savings plan.