Senior Analytical Chemist - Pharmaceutical Quality Control

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Professional development

Hybrid role

Modern facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Analytical Chemist to join its Quality Control team. You will develop, validate, and transfer analytical methods for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished drug products, using HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR, dissolution, and Karl Fischer.

This hybrid role blends on-site lab work with remote data analysis and reporting, supports GMP compliance, and offers opportunities for professional development in a growing pharmaceutical company.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in analytical chemistry or related field.
• Strong GMP/ICH knowledge for pharmaceutical testing.
• Experience developing/validating analytical methods.
• Hands-on experience with HPLC/GC and related techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and transfer analytical methods for raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.
• Perform routine and non-routine testing using HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR, dissolution and Karl Fischer.
• Troubleshoot and maintain analytical instruments and calibrations.
• Investigate OOS results, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare and review method validation reports and SOPs.
• Analyze data and generate reports for regulatory submissions and QC assessments.
• Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, and QA to support lifecycle management.
• Ensure GMP compliance and stay updated with regulatory expectations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Written & verbal communication

Education

M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or related field

Tools

HPLC

GC

UV-Vis

FTIR

Dissolution

Karl Fischer

LIMS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety in its products. We are looking for a highly skilled Senior Analytical Chemist to join our Quality Control department in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This role is essential for developing, validating, and implementing analytical methods used to test raw materials, in-process samples, and finished drug products. You will work with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation and contribute significantly to maintaining product integrity and regulatory compliance. This hybrid position offers a blend of on-site laboratory work and remote data analysis/reporting, providing flexibility while ensuring critical on-site responsibilities are met. Join our dedicated team and play a vital role in safeguarding public health through rigorous quality control.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and transfer analytical methods for raw materials, intermediates, and finished products according to ICH guidelines.
• Perform routine and non-routine testing of pharmaceutical samples using various analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR, dissolution, and Karl Fischer titration.
• Troubleshoot and maintain analytical instruments, ensuring their optimal performance and calibration.
• Investigate out-of-specification (OOS) results and deviations, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Prepare and review analytical test methods, validation reports, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Analyze and interpret analytical data, generating comprehensive reports for regulatory submissions and internal quality assessments.
• Collaborate with R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance departments to support product development and lifecycle management.
• Ensure all laboratory activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Stay current with advancements in analytical techniques and regulatory expectations 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 discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical analytical development and quality control.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with HPLC and GC, including method development and validation.
• Proficiency with other analytical techniques like UV-Vis, FTIR, dissolution testing, and basic wet chemistry.
• Strong understanding of GMP, ICH guidelines, and regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical testing.
• Experience with data analysis software and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for report writing and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a dynamic laboratory environment.
• Experience with method transfer and validation protocols.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and opportunities for professional development. This hybrid role provides a balance between on-site laboratory work and remote flexibility for data analysis and reporting. Employees have access to modern laboratory facilities and cutting‑edge analytical instrumentation. You will be part of a quality‑focused team that plays a critical role in product safety and efficacy. Opportunities for career advancement within a growing pharmaceutical company are available. Enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritizes scientific integrity and employee growth in Mossel Bay.