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

Gi Group SA; Basel; Hybrid; CHF 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Home office up to 40%

Job summary

Gi Group SA is seeking a Lead Chemical Process R&D Scientist (m/f/d) in Basel to direct late-stage process development for clinical projects. You will guide internal teams and oversee external CDMOs to ensure timelines, quality, and cost targets are met.

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

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.
• Proven track record leading scientific teams and delivering projects.
• Experience managing external development, tech transfer, and CDMO manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of synthesis, process optimization, and manufacturing support.

Responsibilities

• Lead chemical process R&D activities for clinical-stage projects, focusing on late-stage development and scale-up.
• Manage internal process chemistry teams in a matrix leadership role (up to five scientists).
• Oversee external development and manufacturing activities at CDMOs to meet objectives, timelines and budgets.
• Drive route scouting, process optimization, understanding, scale-up, and delivery of drug substance material.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders for 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, and cross-functional decision-making.

Education

PhD or Postdoctoral qualification in Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Tools

Chemical drawing software

Literature & patent search platforms

Design of Experiments (DoE) software

Analytical software

Project management tools

Kinetic modelling software

Job description

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

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

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

General Information:

• Location: Basel
• Workload: 100%
• 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.