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

Work Selection AG; Basel; On-site; CHF 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site parking spaces

Staff restaurants

Welcome Days onboarding

Miscellaneous staff discounts

Job summary

Work Selection AG, a first-tier supplier to Roche Basel, is seeking a Lead Chemical Process R&D Scientist for a 12-month assignment with a strong chance of extension. You will lead chemistry process R&D to deliver safe, scalable, and sustainable processes for clinical development with a focus on late-stage development, leveraging internal and external CDMO capabilities.

The role requires PhD or postdoctoral background in synthetic organic chemistry, 5+ years in pharma process R&D, and leadership

Qualifications

• PhD or postdoctoral background in synthetic organic chemistry.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical chemical process R&D, with late-stage development & scale-up.
• Leadership and project management proven track record in internal teams.
• Direct experience managing external CDMOs and technology transfers.
• Proficiency with chemistry tools, literature searches, DOE applications, and project planning platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal and external chemical process R&D activities with a 1–5 person team or CDMO partners.
• Oversee end-to-end process chemistry workflows: route scouting, optimization, scale-up, and API supply support.
• Coordinate cross-functional delivery with CDMOs to ensure timely, safe, and cost-effective production.
• Ensure quality and compliance with internal standards and sustainability objectives.

Skills

Leadership & PM

CDMO Management

DoE software

English fluency

Education

PhD or Postdoc in Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Tools

ChemDraw

DOE software

Analytical software

Job description

As a first-tier supplier to our renowned business partner F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. in Basel, we are currently looking for a motivated and dedicated Lead Chemical Process R&D Scientist for a temporary assignment of 12 months, with high probability of extension. In this function you will lead chemical process R&D activities to deliver safe, scalable, efficient and sustainable processes as well as drug substance material for projects in clinical development, with a focus on late stage development, leveraging internal and external CDMO capabilities.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Lead Internal & External Chemical Process R&D activities: Direct chemical process research and development work, managing an internal team of 1–5 process chemists and/or leading external activities at contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs).
• Oversee end-to-end process chemistry workflows, including synthetic route scouting, process optimization, scale-up, and support for supply activities.
• Coordinate Cross-Functional Delivery: Synchronize internal laboratory efforts with CDMO timelines to guarantee the timely, safe, and cost-effective production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and advanced intermediates
• Ensure Quality & Compliance: Deliver the target compounds following internal quality processes and according to specifications, safety standards and sustainability objectives.

Must-Haves

• PhD or Postdoctoral background in Synthetic Organic Chemistry.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical chemical process R&D, with demonstrated expertise in late-stage process development and scale-up.
• Leadership & Project Management: Proven track record of leading, mentoring, and driving project deliverables within internal process chemistry teams.
• CDMO Management: Direct experience managing external chemical development, technology transfers, and manufacturing activities at CDMOs.
• Technical & Software Proficiency: High proficiency with standard office applications alongside core chemistry tools, including chemical drawing tools, literature/patent search engines, Design of Experiments (DoE) applications, analytical software, and project planning platforms. Proficiency in the use of kinetic modeling or scale-up simulation software is a plus.
• Professional fluency in spoken and written English is required.

Benefits

• Become part of one of the most prestigious pharmaceutical companies and actively shape the future of healthcare
• Experience a work culture that promotes diversity and inclusion and where all employees feel valued.
• Work on a state-of-the‑art campus featuring green spaces, meeting areas, and an inspiring atmosphere
• Work with modern and up‑to‑date tools in an innovative work environment
• Start with a professional onboarding process and a thorough introduction to your new role during the Welcome Days
• Benefit from financial support for your professional development plans
• Enjoy a selection of high‑quality meals in modern staff restaurants
• As part of a sustainable mobility concept, on-site parking spaces are available to you (subject to eligibility criteria)
• Take advantage of unbeatable, year‑round discounts at renowned retailers and over 200 top brands
• Benefit from fleet discounts when purchasing new cars or receive constant fuel discounts with our fuel card