Lead Chemical Process R&D Scientist

Flexsis; Basel; Hybrid; CHF 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Flexsis is seeking a Senior Chemical Process R&D Lead (m/f/d) for Basel to steer pharmaceutical process R&D and scale‑up efforts. You will lead internal chemists and coordinate with external CDMOs to deliver safe, high‑quality processes for APIs and intermediates in late‑stage development.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, DoE, and knowledge transfer, with English proficiency required and German as a plus. Hybrid work with occasional on‑site collaboration in Basel.

Qualifications

• PhD or postdoctoral experience in synthetic organic chemistry.
• 5+ years of professional experience in pharmaceutical chemical process R&D.
• Strong expertise in process optimization and scale‑up, especially in late‑stage development.
• Experience leading teams and managing development projects.
• Hands‑on experience with external CDMOs, including technology transfers.
• Proficiency with chemistry tools: drawing software, literature searches, DoE, and project planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal and external chemical process R&D activities.
• Provide technical leadership to a small internal team and coordinate with CDMOs.
• Oversee development, optimization, and scale‑up of synthesis processes from route scouting to manufacturing.
• Coordinate internal lab work and external partners for timely API supply.
• Plan and oversee technology transfers and external development activities.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, and sustainability standards.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure efficient project delivery.

Skills

Process optimisation

Scale-up

Team leadership

CDMO management

Technology transfer

DoE applications

Project planning

Education

PhD or postdoctoral in synthetic organic chemistry

Tools

Chemical drawing software

Literature & patent search platforms

DoE software

Project planning tools

Kinetic modelling software

Job description

For our client, a globally leading company in the life sciences and pharmaceutical industry headquartered in Basel, we are currently looking for a Senior Chemical Process R&D Lead (m/f/d).

In this exciting role, you will lead chemical process research and development activities, focusing on the optimization and scale‑up of chemical manufacturing processes for pharmaceutical active ingredients and intermediates, particularly in late‑stage development. Working closely with internal teams and external development and manufacturing partners, you will ensure the delivery of safe, efficient, high‑quality, and sustainable chemical processes.

General Information

• Start date: ASAP or by agreement, latest possible start date: 1 February 2027
• Duration: 1 year, with a likely extension option
• Home office: Up to 2 days per week

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Lead internal and external chemical process research and development activities.
• Provide technical leadership to an internal team of 1–5 process chemists and coordinate activities at external contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs).
• Oversee the development, optimization, and scale‑up of chemical synthesis processes, from route scouting to larger‑scale manufacturing.
• Coordinate internal laboratory activities and external manufacturing partners to ensure the timely supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates.
• Plan and oversee technology transfers as well as external development and manufacturing activities.
• Ensure compliance with quality requirements, product specifications, safety standards, and sustainability objectives.
• Collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficient project execution and reliable project delivery.

Candidate Profile

• PhD or postdoctoral background in synthetic organic chemistry.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in pharmaceutical chemical process R&D.
• Strong expertise in process optimization and scale‑up, particularly in late‑stage development.
• Proven experience in leading teams and managing development projects.
• Hands‑on experience managing external development and manufacturing partners (CDMOs), including technology transfers.
• Proficiency in standard office applications and chemistry‑related tools, including chemical drawing software, literature and patent search platforms, Design of Experiments (DoE) applications, and project planning tools.
• Experience in GMP‑regulated environments is an advantage.
• Knowledge of kinetic modelling or scale‑up simulation software is a plus.
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English; German language skills are an advantage.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills, combined with a structured and results‑oriented approach.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to lead, motivate, and align internal teams and external partners towards shared project goals.