Lead Chemical Process R&D Scientist

Gi Group UK; Basel; Hybrid; CHF 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Gi Group UK is seeking a Lead Chemical Process R&D Scientist (m/f/d) in Basel. The role focuses on late-stage development, process optimization, and interface with CDMOs to ensure quality and schedule adherence.

The candidate will lead internal teams and coordinate with external partners, driving route scouting, scale-up, and technology transfer while complying with GMP and safety standards. English fluency required; German advantageous.

Qualifications

• PhD or Postdoctoral qualification in Synthetic Organic Chemistry.
• Minimum 5 years of pharmaceutical chemical process R&D experience, with late-stage development and scale-up expertise.
• Proven track record leading scientific teams and delivering project milestones.

Responsibilities

• Lead chemical process R&D activities for clinical-stage projects, focusing on late-stage development and optimization.
• Manage internal process chemistry teams in a matrix leadership role (up to five scientists/associates).
• Oversee external development and manufacturing activities at CDMOs to align with budgets and timelines.
• Drive route scouting, process understanding, scale-up, and delivery of drug substance material.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely, safe, and cost-effective API supply.
• Lead technology transfer from development to manufacturing environments.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, regulatory, and sustainability requirements.
• Use data-driven approaches to support process development decisions and project strategy.
• Contribute to project planning, risk assessment, technical documentation, and cross-functional decisions.

Skills

Team leadership

Process optimization

External collaboration

DoE applications

GMP familiarity

Stakeholder management

Project planning

Data-driven decisions

Education

PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Tools

ChemDraw

Literature databases

DoE software

Analytical software

Project management tools

Job description

For a leading pharmaceutical company, we are looking for a qualified

Lead Chemical Process R&D Scientist (m/f/d)

General Information:

• Location: Basel


• Start: ASAP


• Duration: 12 months (extension possible)


• Home Office: up to 40%


• Travel: Occasional travel (up to 4 trips per year) to CDMOs in Europe or Asia

Your Responsibilities:

• Lead chemical process research and development activities for clinical-stage pharmaceutical projects, with a strong focus on late-stage development and process optimization.


• Manage and guide internal process chemistry teams of up to five scientists and associates in a matrix leadership role.


• Oversee external development and manufacturing activities at CDMOs, ensuring alignment with project objectives, timelines, quality standards, and budget expectations.


• Drive synthetic route scouting, process optimization, process understanding, scale-up activities, and delivery of drug substance material.


• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely, safe, and cost-effective supply of APIs and advanced intermediates.


• Lead technology transfer activities from development to manufacturing environments.


• Ensure all activities comply with safety, quality, regulatory, and sustainability requirements.


• Utilize scientific expertise and data-driven approaches to support process development decisions and project strategy.


• Contribute to project planning, risk assessment, technical documentation, and cross-functional decision-making.

Your Profile:

• PhD or Postdoctoral qualification in Synthetic Organic Chemistry.


• Minimum 5 years of pharmaceutical chemical process R&D experience, with demonstrated expertise in late-stage process development and scale-up.


• Proven track record of leading scientific teams and driving project deliverables within process chemistry organizations.


• Strong experience managing external development, technology transfer, and manufacturing activities at CDMOs.


• Deep understanding of synthetic organic chemistry, process optimization, scale-up principles, and manufacturing support.


• Proficient in chemistry-related software and tools, including chemical drawing programs, literature and patent search platforms, Design of Experiments (DoE) applications, analytical software, and project management tools.


• Experience with kinetic modelling and process simulation software is considered an advantage.


• Familiarity with GMP environments and pharmaceutical development processes is a plus.


• Strong organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.


• Fluent English is mandatory; German language skills are advantageous.

Please note: Only CVs in English can be accepted and submitted for this role.