Senior Bioanalytical Chemist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Nelspruit is hiring a Senior Bioanalytical Chemist to lead method development and validation of bioanalytical assays for small molecules and biologics across biological matrices. You will play a key role in providing robust analytical data for preclinical and clinical studies.

You will apply extensive LC-MS/MS/HPLC expertise, ensure GLP regulations, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams while mentoring junior staff in a modern research setting.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in bioanalytical method development and validation in pharma/CRO settings.
• Extensive hands-on LC-MS/MS experience with instruments such as Sciex/Waters/Thermo.
• Proficiency in HPLC and other chromatographic techniques.
• Strong GLP knowledge and regulatory understanding.
• Experience with data acquisition/analysis software (Analyst, MassHunter, Chromeleon).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and transfer bioanalytical methods (LC-MS/MS, HPLC) for drugs and metabolites.
• Perform routine sample analysis under GLP.
• Troubleshoot and optimize methods for better sensitivity and robustness.
• Characterize unknown impurities and degradation products.
• Collaborate with DMPK, clinical pharmacology, and project teams.
• Prepare analytical reports, validation documentation, and study protocols.
• Maintain and calibrate analytical instrumentation.
• Ensure compliance with FDA/EMA guidelines.
• Mentor junior chemists and provide training.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Problem-solving

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Independent & team work

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry

Tools

LC-MS/MS (Sciex/Waters/Thermo)

HPLC

Analyst/MassHunter/Chromeleon

Job description

About the Role WhatJobs Direct is seeking a highly skilled Senior Bioanalytical Chemist to join our state-of-the-art research and development facility in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This role is critical in supporting our drug discovery and development pipeline by developing and validating robust analytical methods for small molecules and biologics in complex biological matrices. You will be instrumental in quantifying therapeutic agents and their metabolites, contributing essential data for preclinical and clinical studies. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience with advanced analytical instrumentation and a strong understanding of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles. This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, innovative environment and make significant contributions to pharmaceutical research. Join our dedicated team in Nelspruit and play a vital role in bringing new therapies to patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and transfer bioanalytical methods (e.g., LC-MS/MS, HPLC) for the quantification of drugs and metabolites in various biological samples (plasma, urine, tissues).
• Perform routine sample analysis according to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations.
• Troubleshoot and optimize analytical methods to improve sensitivity, selectivity, and robustness.
• Characterize and identify unknown impurities and degradation products.
• Collaborate with DMPK scientists, clinical pharmacologists, and project teams to define analytical requirements.
• Prepare detailed analytical reports, method validation documentation, and study protocols.
• Maintain and operate analytical instrumentation, ensuring proper calibration and maintenance.
• Stay current with regulatory guidelines (FDA, EMA) and industry best practices.
• Mentor junior chemists and provide technical training.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in bioanalytical method development and validation in a pharmaceutical or contract research organization (CRO) setting.
• Extensive hands-on experience with LC-MS/MS instrumentation (e.g., Sciex, Waters, Thermo Fisher).
• Proficiency in HPLC and other chromatographic techniques.
• Strong understanding of GLP and regulatory requirements for bioanalytical studies.
• Experience with data acquisition and analysis software (e.g., Analyst, MassHunter, Chromeleon).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. You will work in a modern laboratory facility in Nelspruit with opportunities for professional development and career advancement. We support continuous learning and encourage participation in relevant scientific meetings. The company is committed to fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.