Senior Research Scientist - Analytical Chemistry

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Cutting-edge instrumentation

Professional development support

Dynamic research environment in Randub

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg seeks a Senior Research Scientist (Analytical Chemistry) to lead method development and validation for complex molecules. You will guide projects from early research to regulatory submission, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product quality and safety.

The role requires a PhD in Analytical Chemistry with 7+ years in analytical chemistry, and hands-on expertise with HPLC/UPLC, GC, MS, NMR, FTIR, and UV-Vis.

Qualifications

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry or closely related field.
• Minimum 7 years progressive experience in analytical chemistry, preferably in pharma/biotech.
• Hands-on experience with a wide range of analytical techniques and ability to develop/validate methods according to ICH guidelines.
• Strong understanding of GLP/cGMP and quality control requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for small molecules, biologics, and excipients using HPLC/UPLC, GC, MS, NMR and spectroscopy.
• Perform analytical testing to support pre-clinical and clinical programs.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation and methods to ensure data integrity and reliability.
• Lead analytical development projects from early research through regulatory submission support.
• Collaborate with formulation scientists, synthetic chemists, and regulatory affairs to define analytical strategies.
• Mentor and train junior analytical chemists to foster scientific excellence.

Skills

Analytical chemistry expertise

Education

PhD in Analytical Chemistry

7+ years analytical chemistry experience

Tools

HPLC

UPLC

GC

LC-MS

GC-MS

ICP-MS

NMR

FTIR

UV-Vis

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Research Scientist specializing in Analytical Chemistry to join their advanced R&D team in Randburg . This role is essential for developing and validating sophisticated analytical methods to characterize complex molecules and ensure product quality and safety. You will lead projects involving method development, validation, and troubleshooting using a variety of state-of-the-art analytical techniques. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in chromatographic and spectroscopic methods, a strong understanding of pharmaceutical development, and the ability to mentor junior scientists, driving innovation in analytical science within our Randburg laboratories.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for the characterization of small molecules, biologics, and formulation excipients using techniques such as HPLC, GC, MS, NMR, and spectroscopy.
• Perform complex analytical testing to support pre-clinical and clinical development programs.
• Troubleshoot analytical instrumentation and methods, ensuring data integrity and reliability.
• Lead analytical development projects from early-stage research through to regulatory submission support.
• Collaborate with formulation scientists, synthetic chemists, and regulatory affairs to define analytical strategies.
• Mentor and train junior analytical chemists, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in analytical chemistry , preferably within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Extensive hands-on experience with a wide range of analytical techniques (HPLC, UPLC, GC, LC-MS, GC-MS, ICP-MS, NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis).
• Proven ability to develop and validate analytical methods according to ICH guidelines.
• Strong understanding of quality control, regulatory requirements, and good laboratory practices (GLP/cGMP).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a demonstrated ability to lead technical projects.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities to work with cutting-edge analytical instrumentation and technologies.
• Professional development support, including training and conference participation.
• A dynamic and collaborative research environment in Randburg .
• Contribution to the development of novel therapies and quality products.