Senior Analytical Chemistry Specialist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Analytical Chemistry Specialist to join its quality control and research division in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will develop, validate, and execute analytical methods to ensure the quality, purity, and stability of pharmaceutical products and raw materials.

You will work with HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR, KF titration, and regulatory-compliant method validation, mentor junior chemists, and contribute to process improvements in a GMP environment.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Analytical Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in pharmaceutical analytical chemistry, GMP environment preferred.
• Extensive hands-on experience with chromatographic techniques (HPLC/UPLC/GC) and spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis/FTIR).
• Proficiency in method validation according to regulatory guidelines (ICH).
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical product development and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with Karl Fischer titration/dissolution testing and other pharmacopeial methods.
• Excellent data analysis and interpretation skills with Empower/Chromeleon.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and transfer analytical methods for raw materials, intermediates, and finished products per ICH guidelines.
• Perform routine and non-routine testing of pharmaceutical samples using HPLC, UPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR, and KF titration.
• Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation, ensuring proper calibration and performance.
• Investigate out-of-specification results and deviations; propose corrective actions.
• Analyze and interpret analytical data; generate comprehensive reports for regulatory submissions and internal use.
• Troubleshoot analytical methods and instrumentation issues.
• Stay updated on GMP and regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
• Mentor junior analytical chemists and provide technical guidance.
• Contribute to process improvement within the analytical department.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

GMP compliance

Data analysis

Method validation

Instrument troubleshooting

Education

MSc/PhD Analytical Chemistry

Tools

Empower

Chromeleon

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent pharmaceutical research and development company, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Analytical Chemistry Specialist to join their quality control and research division in Nelspruit. This vital role will be responsible for developing, validating, and executing analytical methods to ensure the quality, purity, and stability of pharmaceutical products and raw materials. You will utilize a range of advanced analytical instrumentation and techniques, contributing to the rigorous standards required in drug development. The successful candidate will possess extensive experience in pharmaceutical analysis, a strong understanding of regulatory requirements, and a meticulous approach to experimental work. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to critical healthcare advancements within Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

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 (e.g., HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, FTIR, KF titration).


• Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation, ensuring proper calibration and performance.


• Investigate out-of-specification (OOS) results and deviations, proposing and implementing corrective actions.


• Analyze and interpret analytical data, generating comprehensive reports for regulatory submissions and internal use.


• Troubleshoot analytical methods and instrumentation issues.


• Stay updated on current regulatory requirements (e.g., GMP, FDA, EMA) and industry best practices.


• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance departments.


• Mentor junior analytical chemists and provide technical guidance.


• Contribute to process improvement initiatives within the analytical department.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.


• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical analytical chemistry, preferably within a GMP environment.


• Extensive hands‑on experience with chromatographic techniques (HPLC, UPLC, GC) and spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis, FTIR).


• Proficiency in method validation according to regulatory guidelines (ICH).


• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical product development and manufacturing processes.


• Experience with Karl Fischer titration, dissolution testing, and other relevant pharmacopeial methods.


• Excellent data analysis and interpretation skills, with proficiency in relevant software (e.g., Empower, Chromeleon).


• Strong problem‑solving abilities and meticulous attention to detail.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Willingness to work on‑site in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development. You will work in a modern laboratory equipped with state‑of‑the‑art analytical instruments. This position is on‑site to ensure hands‑on involvement with critical laboratory operations in Nelspruit. Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. Join our client and contribute to ensuring the safety and efficacy of vital pharmaceutical products.