Senior Pharmaceutical Analytical Development Scientist

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Continuous learning opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Analytical Development Scientist in Polokwane to lead method development and validation for drug substances and products. The role combines remote data analysis with on-site lab work and critical project meetings.

You will drive method validation per ICH guidelines, support formulation development and stability studies, and mentor junior scientists while ensuring GMP compliance and safe laboratory practices.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in analytical development within the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry.
• Extensive hands-on experience with HPLC, UPLC, GC, and other relevant analytical techniques.
• Thorough understanding of method validation principles and ICH guidelines.
• Experience with dissolution testing and solid-state characterization is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex analytical problems.
• Excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and on-site responsibilities.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with GMP environment and regulatory expectations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize analytical methods (e.g., HPLC, UPLC, GC, KF, dissolution) for drug substances and drug products.
• Validate analytical methods according to ICH guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Perform analytical testing to support formulation development, process optimization, and stability studies.
• Characterize drug substances and drug products using a range of analytical techniques.
• Troubleshoot analytical methods and instrumentation, ensuring reliable and accurate results.
• Prepare validation protocols, reports, and method transfer documentation.
• Collaborate with Quality Control (QC) for method transfer and routine testing support.
• Contribute to regulatory submissions (e.g., IND, NDA) by providing analytical data and documentation.
• Stay abreast of new analytical technologies and scientific advancements in the field.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance.
• Ensure all laboratory activities are conducted in compliance with GMP and safety regulations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Scientific writing

Oral communication

Team collaboration

Hybrid work experience

Education

MSc or PhD in Analytical Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

HPLC

UPLC

GC

KF

Dissolution testing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading biopharmaceutical company, is seeking a dedicated Senior Pharmaceutical Analytical Development Scientist to contribute to their innovative research and development efforts in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA . This role focuses on the development, validation, and implementation of robust analytical methods for the characterization of drug substances and drug products. You will play a key part in supporting formulation development, stability studies, and regulatory submissions. This hybrid position allows for strategic planning and data analysis from a remote location, while requiring on-site presence for laboratory work and critical project meetings. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of various analytical techniques, a commitment to scientific rigor, and excellent problem-solving abilities. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including formulation scientists, process engineers, and quality control, to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality analytical data supporting product development and manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize analytical methods (e.g., HPLC, UPLC, GC, KF, dissolution) for drug substances and drug products.
• Validate analytical methods according to ICH guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Perform analytical testing to support formulation development, process optimization, and stability studies.
• Characterize drug substances and drug products using a range of analytical techniques.
• Troubleshoot analytical methods and instrumentation, ensuring reliable and accurate results.
• Prepare validation protocols, reports, and method transfer documentation.
• Collaborate with Quality Control (QC) for method transfer and routine testing support.
• Contribute to regulatory submissions (e.g., IND, NDA) by providing analytical data and documentation.
• Stay abreast of new analytical technologies and scientific advancements in the field.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance.
• Ensure all laboratory activities are conducted in compliance with GMP and safety regulations.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in analytical development within the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with HPLC, UPLC, GC, and other relevant analytical techniques.
• Thorough understanding of method validation principles and ICH guidelines.
• Experience with dissolution testing and solid‑state characterization is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex analytical problems.
• Excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and on‑site responsibilities.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with GMP environment and regulatory expectations.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and retirement benefits. Employees are provided with opportunities for continuous learning and professional development. This hybrid role offers a blend of flexibility and hands‑on laboratory work. You will be part of a collaborative team focused on delivering innovative pharmaceutical solutions. Career progression opportunities are available within a growing organization.