API Chemist

Optimi; Princeton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimi Health is seeking an experienced API Chemist for a 12‑month contract to lead API synthesis development at our Princeton, BC facility. The role combines bench to pilot/production scale work with IP research, and requires periodic on‑site collaboration with internal teams under an SOW.

You will design routes, optimize reactions, support tech transfer, and document results for potential regulatory filings while maintaining strict confidentiality and working flexibly with an intermittent,

Qualifications

• Experience taking synthesis from bench to pilot scale in pharma.
• Pharmaceutical/biotech regulated environment experience.
• IP literature and patent search experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize a synthetic route from bench to pilot/large scale.
• Conduct hands-on synthesis, reaction optimization, and process troubleshooting.
• Support tech transfer and scale-up to GMP-ready production.
• Document results and support regulatory filings and IP strategy.

Skills

API synthesis

Process development

Scale-up

IP literature research

Documentation

Independent execution

Communication skills

Intermittent on-site

Education

Master's in Organic Chemistry

PhD preferred

Tools

Lab scale-up equipment

Job description

Optimi is a Canadian Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliant pharmaceutical drug manufacturer licensed by Health Canada for the handling of controlled substances and GMP production. The focus of the company is on pharmaceutical-grade psychedelics, including MDMA and naturally derived psilocybin products. From facilities in Princeton, British Columbia and operating under a Drug Establishment License from Health Canada, Optimi supplies active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished dosage forms to regulated channels, with products currently in market for prescription use in Australia via the Authorized Prescriber Scheme and clinical trials in Israel, as well as accessible in Canada through the Special Access Program. Optimi also has an active Cannabis Analytical Testing License through Health Canada.

We are seeking an experienced API Chemist to join Optimi Health on a 12-month contract basis to lead the development of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis process. The successful candidate will bring hands‑on experience in API synthesis and process development at both small (bench) and large (pilot/commercial) scale, and will be responsible for developing a robust, scalable process as well as researching intellectual property (IP) relevant to the process. This is a flexible, intermittent‑on‑site engagement, with the chemist expected to attend our facility periodically as needed to support hands‑on lab work and collaborate with internal teams.

1. Process Development & Synthesis:

• Design, develop, and optimize a synthetic route for the target API, progressing the process from bench (small) scale through pilot/large scale
• Conduct hands‑on synthesis, reaction optimization, and process troubleshooting to establish a robust, reproducible process
• Evaluate reaction parameters, yields, purity, and impurity profiles to identify and refine an efficient, scalable synthetic route
• Maintain detailed, accurate laboratory notebooks and experimental records for all synthesis and process development work

2. Scale‑Up Support:

• Support technology transfer and scale‑up of the developed process, including identification of critical process parameters and potential scale‑related risks
• Provide recommendations on equipment, reagent handling, and process adaptations required to move from bench to larger‑scale production
• Collaborate with manufacturing and operations personnel to translate the bench‑scale process into a scalable, GMP‑ready process

3. Intellectual Property & Literature Research:

• Conduct prior‑art, freedom‑to‑operate, and literature research related to the synthetic process and target molecules
• Review relevant patents and scientific literature to identify existing IP, potential infringement risks, and opportunities for novel process routes
• Document research findings and support IP strategy discussions with company leadership and/or external legal counsel
• Identify and help evaluate opportunities for patentable process innovations arising from the development work

4. Documentation & Reporting:

• Prepare technical reports, summaries, and presentations detailing process development results, risks, and recommendations
• Maintain records of sufficient detail and quality to support potential future regulatory filings and patent applications
• Communicate progress, findings, and risks regularly to project stakeholders

Key Requirements:

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications and skills:

Education:

Master's degree in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline required; PhD in Organic Chemistry or a related field strongly preferred

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in API synthesis and process development, with a proven track record of taking a synthetic process from small (bench) scale through to large (pilot or commercial) scale
• Prior experience developing new synthetic routes and troubleshooting process issues in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or related regulated environment preferred
• Experience conducting patent/IP literature research related to chemical processes is an asset

Skills:

• Strong synthetic organic chemistry skills and sound understanding of reaction mechanisms, process chemistry, and scale‑up principles
• Ability to independently design, execute, and interpret experiments with minimal supervision
• Strong literature and patent research skills
• Excellent documentation and record‑keeping practices
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly report technical findings to internal stakeholders
• Ability to work flexibly and manage priorities across an intermittent, part‑time on‑site schedule

Additional Responsibilities:

• Attend the Optimi Health facility on an intermittent, as‑needed basis to perform hands‑on synthesis work, review equipment, or collaborate with internal teams; on‑site schedule to be arranged flexibly in coordination with the CSO
• Work under a defined Statement of Work/contract scope, providing regular progress updates and deliverables as agreed with Optimi Health leadership
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all proprietary process, formulation, and IP‑related information, and assign all work product and IP developed under the engagement to Optimi Health in accordance with the executed contract/consulting agreement

Compensation

• Salary range of $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 (this is a 12 month contract position)
• Accommodation Assistance