Senior Analytical Chemist - Pharmaceutical Quality Control

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 780,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit (Mbombela) is seeking a Senior Analytical Chemist to lead quality control in a pharmaceutical manufacturing setting. You will develop, validate, and transfer analytical methods for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products, ensuring strict GMP compliance and regulatory alignment.

The role requires at least 5 years in analytical chemistry within pharma QC, with strong HPLC and GC experience, plus proficiency in other techniques and LIMS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry.
• Minimum 5 years hands-on experience in analytical chemistry within the pharmaceutical industry, focused on quality control.
• Extensive experience with HPLC and GC is essential.
• Experience with other spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques is highly desirable.
• Thorough understanding of GMP, GLP, and regulatory guidelines relevant to pharmaceutical manufacturing (e.g., FDA, ICH).
• Proven ability to develop, validate, and troubleshoot analytical methods.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and transfer analytical methods for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished pharmaceutical products.
• Perform routine testing using techniques including HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR, Karl Fischer titration, and dissolution testing.
• Analyze and interpret analytical data, ensuring compliance with specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot analytical instrumentation and methods, identifying root causes of deviations and implementing corrective actions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure calibration and qualification status.
• Review and approve analytical test results and documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Participate in regulatory inspections and internal audits, providing expertise on analytical testing and quality control procedures.
• Contribute to quality control strategies and SOPs in Nelspruit.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior analytical chemists and laboratory technicians.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Analytical Chemistry

Master's degree (a plus)

Tools

HPLC

GC

UV-Vis

FTIR

Karl Fischer titration

Dissolution testing

LIMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable pharmaceutical manufacturing company, is seeking a Senior Analytical Chemist to lead quality control operations at their facility in Nelspruit . This role is vital in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products through rigorous analytical testing. The Senior Analytical Chemist will be responsible for developing, validating, and executing analytical methods, performing in-process and final product testing, and troubleshooting analytical instrumentation. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience with various analytical techniques, a strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and excellent problem-solving skills. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to product quality assurance and work within a team dedicated to upholding the highest standards of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Nelspruit . We are committed to a culture of quality and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and transfer analytical methods for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished pharmaceutical products.
• Perform routine testing using a variety of analytical techniques including HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR, Karl Fischer titration, and dissolution testing.
• Analyze and interpret analytical data, ensuring compliance with specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot analytical instrumentation and methods, identifying root causes of deviations and implementing corrective actions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure calibration and qualification status.
• Review and approve analytical test results and documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Participate in regulatory inspections and internal audits, providing expertise on analytical testing and quality control procedures.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of quality control strategies and SOPs in Nelspruit .
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior analytical chemists and laboratory technicians.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related science field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in analytical chemistry within the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on quality control.
• Extensive experience with HPLC and GC is essential.
• Experience with other spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques is highly desirable.
• Thorough understanding of GMP, GLP, and regulatory guidelines relevant to pharmaceutical manufacturing (e.g., FDA, ICH).
• Proven ability to develop, validate, and troubleshoot analytical methods.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is beneficial.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced laboratory environment in Nelspruit .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and development. Employees will work in a modern laboratory facility in Nelspruit , utilizing advanced analytical instrumentation. We provide a supportive work environment that prioritizes quality, safety, and teamwork. Opportunities for further training and certification are available. Join a dedicated team committed to producing high-quality pharmaceuticals.