Senior Analytical Development Scientist - Pharmaceutical R&D

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical insurance

Retirement plan contributions

Generous paid time off

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape, is seeking a Senior Analytical Development Scientist for a hybrid role focused on developing and validating analytical methods (HPLC, UPLC, GC, MS, KF, dissolution, spectroscopy) for drug substances and products. You will characterize materials and ensure GMP compliance throughout the development lifecycle.

Requires a Ph.D. or Master’s in Analytical Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences with at least 6 years of pharma analytical development experience.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of analytical development experience in pharma.
• Expertise in method development/validation using HPLC/UPLC/GC/MS and related techniques.
• Strong knowledge of ICH guidelines, GMP, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with various dosage forms is advantageous.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for APIs and products.
• Characterize physical/chemical properties of drug substances and products.
• Perform stability studies and determine shelf-life and storage conditions.
• Troubleshoot methods/instrumentation and ensure data integrity.
• Prepare validation reports, protocols, and summaries.
• Ensure compliance with GMP and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with formulation scientists, process chemists, and QC teams.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to team development.
• Stay updated on new analytical technologies and industry advances.

Skills

HPLC

UPLC

GC

MS

KF

dissolution

spectroscopy

Education

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry

Master's in Analytical Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading Pharmaceutical organization, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Analytical Development Scientist to join their Research and Development team. This hybrid role, based in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA , is critical for the development and validation of robust analytical methods for pharmaceutical products. The successful candidate will play a key role in characterizing drug substances and products, ensuring their quality, safety, and efficacy throughout the development lifecycle. This position demands a deep understanding of analytical chemistry techniques, regulatory guidelines (e.g., ICH), and experience in method development and validation for small molecules or biologics. We are looking for a proactive scientist with excellent problem-solving abilities, strong documentation skills, and a commitment to scientific rigor. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the advancement of innovative therapies and grow your career within a dynamic pharmaceutical environment. The hybrid model supports both focused lab work and collaborative strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods (e.g., HPLC, GC, MS, spectroscopy) for raw materials, intermediates, and finished pharmaceutical products.
• Characterize the physical and chemical properties of drug substances and products.
• Perform stability studies and analyze data to determine shelf-life and storage conditions.
• Troubleshoot analytical methods and instrumentation, ensuring data integrity and reliability.
• Prepare comprehensive analytical development reports, protocols, and validation summaries.
• Ensure all analytical activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with formulation scientists, process chemists, and quality control teams.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the technical development of the analytical team.
• Stay current with new analytical technologies and scientific advancements in the pharmaceutical industry.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in analytical development within the Pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven expertise in method development and validation using techniques such as HPLC, UPLC, GC, MS, KF, dissolution, and spectroscopy.
• Strong understanding of ICH guidelines, GMP, and regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical analysis.
• Experience with various types of pharmaceutical dosage forms (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables) is advantageous.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and experimental design skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, managing time between laboratory work and documentation/collaboration.
• Resident or ability to relocate to the Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA area.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses.
• Employees receive comprehensive medical insurance, retirement plan contributions, and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized training and conference attendance, are readily available.
• The hybrid work model provides flexibility and promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Join our client in beautiful Cape Town and contribute to the development of life-changing pharmaceuticals, advancing your career in a supportive and innovative R&D setting.