Senior Analytical Development Scientist

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus incentives

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Pension plan

Career development

Research environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Analytical Development Scientist to lead method development and validation for drug substances and products. You will guide projects, ensure regulatory compliance, and mentor junior scientists in a supportive R&D environment.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD or MSc in analytical chemistry with 5+ years of pharma experience, specializing in chromatography and spectroscopy, and strong writing and communication skills.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Analytical Chemistry or related field.
• 5+ years of analytical method development and validation in pharma.
• Expertise in chromatography and spectroscopy techniques.
• Knowledge of ICH guidelines, GLP/GMP, and quality systems.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for raw materials, intermediates, APIs, and drug products.
• Conduct characterization studies and stability testing per ICH guidelines.
• Troubleshoot analytical methods and instrumentation; propose solutions.
• Transfer methods to QC labs and provide training.
• Prepare and review validation protocols and method validation summaries.
• Stay updated with literature and regulatory guidance.
• Collaborate with formulation, process development, and regulatory teams.
• Ensure GLP/GMP-compliant activities in Benoni and maintain equipment calibration.

Skills

Analytical methods development

HPLC

GC

UV-Vis

Karl Fischer (KF)

ICH guidelines

Scientific writing

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry

MSc in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GC

UV-Vis

KF (Karl Fischer)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive pharmaceutical company, is looking for a Senior Analytical Development Scientist to join their research and development team in Benoni, Gauteng . This role is crucial for developing and validating robust analytical methods required for drug substance and drug product characterization, quality control, and stability testing. You will lead projects, contribute scientific expertise, and ensure that analytical methods meet regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in analytical chemistry, extensive experience with various analytical techniques, and a meticulous approach to scientific rigor. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the development of life-saving medicines within a supportive and innovative environment in Benoni .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods (e.g., HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, KF) for raw materials, in-process samples, drug substances, and drug products.
• Perform characterization studies and stability testing in accordance with ICH guidelines.
• Troubleshoot analytical methods and instrumentation issues, proposing effective solutions.
• Transfer analytical methods to Quality Control (QC) laboratories and provide necessary training and support.
• Author and review analytical development reports, validation protocols, and method validation summaries.
• Stay current with scientific literature, regulatory guidelines, and new analytical technologies.
• Collaborate closely with formulation development, process development, and regulatory affairs teams.
• Ensure all laboratory activities in Benoni comply with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with calibration and maintenance schedules.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the overall scientific advancement of the department.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in analytical method development and validation within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Expertise in a wide range of analytical techniques, particularly chromatography (HPLC, GC) and spectroscopy.
• Thorough understanding of ICH guidelines, regulatory requirements, and quality systems (GLP/GMP).
• Proven ability to design and execute complex analytical studies.
• Excellent scientific writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a systematic approach to experimentation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment at our Benoni facility.
• Experience with dissolution testing and solid-state characterization techniques is a plus.

Benefits

• An attractive annual salary of ZAR .
• Performance-related bonus incentives.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Pension fund and life assurance.
• Opportunities for advanced training and career progression.
• A collaborative and research-focused environment in Benoni .