Nombuso I. Buthelezi
Research Scientist
Johannesburg
Summary
Senior Research Scientist and Analytical Chemist with proven expertise in analytical chemistry, medicinal chemistry and natural products research across academic and pharmaceutical R&D environments. Strong expertise in LC-MS/MS, UHPLC, HPLC and GC-MS applied to drug discovery, compound identification and characterization of synthetic products and complex biological matrices. Proven ability to develop robust analytical workflows, collaborate across multidisciplinary discovery teams and generate high-quality data.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Scientist / Researcher
University of Johannesburg
12.2012 - Current
- Lead analytical research projects focused on metabolomic and small-molecule profiling from biological systems.
- Design, develop and optimise LC-MS/MS, UHPLC, HPLC and GC-MS methods.
- Perform metabolite extraction, sample preparation and high-throughput analysis.
- Interpret complex datasets to identify biologically active compounds.
- Collaborate with biology, bioassay and data teams.
- Produce high-quality analytical data supporting publications and IP.
- Mentor postgraduate students and technical staff.
Research Scientist
Ithemba Pharmaceuticals
05.2009 - 11.2012
- Conducted pharmaceutical R&D on small organic molecules.
- Supported hit-to-lead optimisation programmes.
- Performed preliminary ADME screening.
- Applied chromatographic and MS techniques for compound characterisation.
- Collaborated with cross-functional discovery teams.
- Prepared technical documentation and project budgets.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma - Pharmaceutical Science
Tshwane University of Technology
Tshwane, GP 04.2001 -
MSc - Chemistry
University of KwaZulu-Natal
01-2010
BSc (Honours) - Chemistry
University of KwaZulu-Natal
01-2007
BSc - Chemistry & Cell Biology
University of KwaZulu-Natal
01-2006
Skills
Metabolite Discovery & Profiling
Sample Preparation & Metabolite Extraction
Project design and management
Drug design
Analytical Method Development & Optimisation
LC-MS/MS, LC-MS, UHPLC, HPLC, GC-MS
Data Analysis & Interpretation
Scientific Documentation & publication
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving
Technical consulting
Analytical thinking
Timeline
Scientist / Researcher
University of Johannesburg
12.2012 - Current
Research Scientist
Ithemba Pharmaceuticals
05.2009 - 11.2012
Postgraduate Diploma - Pharmaceutical Science
Tshwane University of Technology
04.2001 -
BSc - Chemistry & Cell Biology
University of KwaZulu-Natal
MSc - Chemistry
University of KwaZulu-Natal
BSc (Honours) - Chemistry
University of KwaZulu-Natal