Lead Chemical Process R&D Scientist

Actalent; Basel; Hybride; CHF 130 000 - 180 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Actalent is seeking a Senior Process Chemist / Technical Team Lead in Basel to drive late-stage process development and scale-up for drug substances in clinical development. You will lead a small team, coordinate external partners, and ensure compliant, scalable manufacturing processes.

The role requires a PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry with 5+ years in pharmaceutical process R&D, plus leadership and strong DoE/analytical skills. Fluency in English is essential; German is a plus.

Qualifications

• PhD (or postdoc) in Synthetic Organic Chemistry.
• Minimum 5 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in chemical process R&D.
• Proven leadership of scientific teams and successful project delivery.

Responsabilités

• Lead chemical process development activities for drug substance projects in clinical development.
• Mentor a small team of process chemists and associates in a matrix environment.
• Oversee external development and manufacturing activities at CDMOs, including tech transfers and scale-up.
• Drive process optimisation, route scouting, manufacturing readiness, and supply activities for APIs and advanced intermediates.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely milestones and material supply.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, regulatory, and sustainability requirements.
• Contribute scientific expertise to project strategy and decision-making throughout development.

Connaissances

Late-stage development

Scale-up

Team leadership

CDMO oversight

Technology transfer

DoE methods

Analytical tools

Regulatory compliance

English communication

Formation

PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Outils

Chemistry software

Literature & patent search

Project planning platforms

Description du poste

Start Date: ASAP

Hybrid: Up to 2 days home office per week

About the Opportunity

Our client, a leading global pharmaceutical company, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Chemist / Technical Team Lead to drive chemical process development activities supporting molecules in clinical development.

This role focuses on late-stage process development, scale-up, technology transfer, and manufacturing support, ensuring safe, efficient, scalable, and sustainable processes for drug substance production. The position combines hands‑on scientific leadership with the coordination of external development and manufacturing partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead chemical process development activities for drug substance projects in clinical development.
• Manage and mentor a small team of process chemists and scientific associates in a matrix environment.
• Oversee external development and manufacturing activities at CDMOs, including technical transfers and process scale-up.
• Drive process optimisation, route scouting, manufacturing readiness, and supply activities for APIs and advanced intermediates.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of development milestones and material supply.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, regulatory, and sustainability requirements.
• Contribute scientific expertise to project strategy and decision‑making throughout development.

Required Qualifications

• PhD (or Postdoctoral training) in Synthetic Organic Chemistry.
• Minimum 5 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in chemical process R&D.
• Strong expertise in late-stage process development, optimisation, and scale-up.
• Demonstrated experience leading scientific teams and managing project deliverables.
• Proven track record working with and overseeing CDMOs, including technology transfer and manufacturing activities.
• Excellent understanding of process chemistry principles and drug substance development.
• Proficiency with chemistry software, literature and patent search tools, DoE applications, analytical tools, and project planning platforms.
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and spoken.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating within GMP-regulated environments.
• Knowledge of kinetic modelling or scale-up simulation software.
• German language skills are advantageous.