Chief Researcher-GMP Formulation (Hay level 18/D3)

Job Purpose

To lead and provide support to the Necsa research environment, to execute and manage larger scale and complex projects with multiple specialists, support personnel and team members.In the GMP environment, the main purpose of the job is to provide technical leadership and steer projects in the field of radiopharmaceuticals to enable clinical testing thereof and the signing off of preparations that are ready for use in clinical trials. This requires a well-developed knowledge base regarding the principles of good manufacturing practices as well as an understanding of radiopharmaceuticals and radiochemistry. The incumbent will also take the lead in ensuring that the GMP clean room is accredited with a cGMP licence from SAHPRA and that it is maintained to use radiopharmaceuticals in Phase I-III clinical studies.

An important aspect of this job is to define proposed solution approaches and translate them into project plans. It is expected that the incumbent keep abreast of and contribute to latest developments in radiopharmaceuticals.

Key Performance Areas:

Knowledge Dissemination

• Capture research work done in written format; as initiator and primary author, and co-author via regular progress reports, annual progress reports, international conference papers and contributions, journal publications, substantial research and contract client reports, etc.
• Consistently report research results orally at international conferences/meetings.
• Lead in various national and international bodies as part of contributing to the scientific peer-review process.
• This could include duties on editorial panels and workshop OR conference organization on national or international level. Maintain consistent record.
• Initiate publications, through supervision or project leader, in the field of expertise.
• Represent Necsa at conferences, seminars and workshops; both domestically and internationally.
• Collaborate with other experts on projects, workshops or international nuclear bodies both locally and internationally.
• Show formal level of national recognition in field of expertise e.g. NRF rating, Honorary Researchers, Member in Science Committees, Invited Speakers, etc.
• Perform work at the level of achieving international recognition in field of expertise via collaborative projects, involvement in workshops and/or international nuclear bodies.

Human Capital Development Local and International

• Mentor staff members in areas of specialization.
• Participate as study leader or co-supervisor of postgraduate students in programs such as university collaborations and NRF PDP.
• Lead research teams.
• Maintain a track record of supervision and graduation of MSc and PhD level students and mentor colleagues to higher levels of career progression.
• Supervise and Graduate post-graduate students at Masters and/or Doctoral levels.
• Establish strategic partnerships and collaborate with academia to further the image of Necsa and enhance the technology development pipeline**.**

Contribution to Necsa Business Processes

• Initiate and execute research tasks with no supervision.
• Initiate and lead large scale research programs/projects.
• Project scope at this level should include large research programs spanning at least 2 – 3 years.
• Create know-how that is of commercial and or strategic value to Necsa and which can be further exploited by the relevant Necsa structures.
• Establish strategic partnerships with industry and scientific bodies that add clear value to Necsa business and the National System of Innovation (NSI).
• Contribute to research funding applicable to Necsa projects.
• Projects at this level should span at least 3 years and include a notable human and scientific infrastructure management.

SHEQ and Other Audits

• Maintain compliance to Business Process Management System.
• Engage in processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Building Head, Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) Management Sponsor, Research & Innovation (R&I) Representative on Skills Development Committee (SDC), etc.
• Ensure that safety and quality processes are adhered to in directed projects.
• Manage processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Discipline Manager and its Associated Responsibilities, Licencing an Operational Compliance for NNR and SAHPRA.
• Take the lead in the resolving of audit findings and improvement actions.
• Contribute to the development of appropriate requirements and standards at national and international level with respect to area of expertise.
• Advise Departmental and Necsa Management on strategic matters related to licensing and SHEQ requirements in area of expertise.

Financial Management

• Develop project budget as project leader and stay within project budget or portion of assigned budget.
• Take initiative to increase income and reduce expenditure.
• Contribute notably to the meeting of section/group income and revenue targets by targeting potential funds from industrial partnerships, contract research and/or research funding mechanisms like the NRF, TIA seed fund or the IAEA.
• Contribute notably to the meeting of Necsa/Departmental Strategic and Revenue Targets.

Job Requirements

Key Knowledge & Skills

Necsa Group expert in Radiopharmacy.

• Excellent working knowledge of Regulatory Guidelines related to radiopharmaceutical activities
• Proven applicable Soft skills
• Provide education and training related to radiopharmacy for GMP personnel
• Technical/professional competence.
• Competently perform a quality assurance role for the facility.

Competencies (Job Specific and Behavioural)

• Scientific report writing and communication.
• Risk management.
• Project budget drafting, forecasting and management.
• Able to work in a research team as leader.
• Anticipating and Managing Change.
• Interpersonal communication skills.
• Holistic/big picture thinking.
• Judgement and decision-making

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• MSc (Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biology) or MPharm.

Experience:

• 6-8 years’ experience in a chemistry/pharmacy field of which
• 2 years must be in a radiopharmaceutical laboratory and
• 3 years demonstrated experience in facilitating the operation, maintenance and compliance of a GMP facility.

Closing date: 17 July 2026

HR CONTACT DETAILS

064 036 5248

Important: Necsa Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to the principles of the Employment Equity Act. In filling this position, preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups, in line with the organisation’s Employment Equity objectives.

By applying for this position, applicants acknowledge and consent to Necsa Group conducting the necessary pre-employment checks. These may include verification of educational qualifications, employment history, and, where relevant to the position, criminal and credit checks through registered credit bureaus and/or the South African Police Service, particularly for roles involving trust, honesty, or the handling of cash and finances. Necsa Group reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time prior to the closing date. Furthermore, the organisation reserves the right not to make an appointment should a suitable candidate not be identified.

GENERAL:

Should you not hear from us within 30 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.