Location: Centurion, Gauteng
Company: Cilo Cybin Pharmaceutical (Pty) Ltd
Industry: Pharmaceutical / Cannabis Manufacturing
Department: Quality & Analytical Laboratory
Reports To: Responsible Pharmacist (RP)
Employment Type: Full-time
Start Date: As soon as possible

Introduction

Cilo Cybin Pharmaceutical, a GMP-certified medical cannabis manufacturing company, is seeking an experienced and driven Analytical Laboratory Manager to establish and lead an in-house cannabinoid analytical laboratory. This laboratory will be foundational to ensuring product quality, compliance, and market readiness. The initial focus will be on HPLC-based testing, with plans to expand capabilities over time. The successful candidate will spearhead the lab’s setup, compliance, and eventual SAHPRA accreditation.

Key Responsibilities

Phase 1: Laboratory Establishment & Commissioning (HPLC Focus)

• Design and commission an in-house GMP-compliant analytical lab focused on HPLC analysis of cannabinoids.

• Draft and implement all required documentation and quality systems, including:

  • Quality Manual

  • Validation Master Plan

  • Equipment Qualification (IQ, OQ, PQ) protocols

  • Analytical Method Validation Protocols and Reports (ICH Q2)

  • SOPs for all lab functions (sample prep, testing, equipment use, calibration, safety, etc.)

  • Laboratory Safety and Risk Assessments

  • CAPA, Change Control, and Deviation Procedures

  • Reagent, standards, and sample management procedures

  • Cleaning, calibration, and preventative maintenance schedules

• Procure, install, and validate HPLC instruments suitable for cannabinoid profiling.

• Establish sample testing protocols for COAs, including identification, assay, and impurity testing using HPLC.

Phase 2: Operationalisation and Expansion

• Perform routine HPLC testing for:

  • In-process controls

  • Finished product release

  • Validation and stability testing

• Review analytical data and issue compliant Certificates of Analysis (COAs).

• Train and supervise analysts and lab technicians.

• Expand testing capabilities to include GC, residual solvents, microbial testing, heavy metals, and terpenes.

• Maintain strict GMP compliance and prepare the lab for SAHPRA audits.

• Collaborate closely with Quality Assurance and Production teams for seamless integration of lab results into batch release and investigations.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field

• 3–5 years’ experience in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical or cannabis analytical lab.

• Proven expertise in HPLC instrumentation, method development, and validation.

• Demonstrated ability to set up or manage a compliant analytical lab.

• Sound understanding of SAHPRA, PIC/S, and ICH Q2 guidelines.

• Strong project leadership and regulatory inspection readiness experience.

Preferred Attributes

• Self-starter with high initiative and ownership.

• Meticulous with data and documentation (ALCOA+ compliance).

• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

• Passionate about building systems from the ground up.

Remuneration

A competitive salary commensurate with experience.