Development Chemist

Sterling Pharma Solutions Limited; Cramlington; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global contract development and manufacturing organization in Cramlington is seeking a Development Chemist to develop and optimize synthetic organic processes. Responsibilities include designing laboratory programs, providing technical support during manufacturing, and preparing reports for customers. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD or relevant degree in synthetic organic chemistry, hands-on experience, and strong communication skills. The role offers a competitive compensation package including bonuses and private healthcare.

Benefits

Competitive compensation and benefits

Pension scheme

Private healthcare

Cycle to work scheme

On-site health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Creative thinking and hands-on experience in organic synthesis.
• Comfortable with interpreting analytical data like NMR, HPLC.
• Experience in a contract development and manufacturing organization is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize synthetic organic processes.
• Design and carry out laboratory scale experimental chemistry work.
• Prepare reports and present scientific results to customers.

Skills

Creative thinking

Hands-on experience in organic synthesis

Interpreting analytical data

Problem-solving skills

Customer-service focus

Time management

Education

PhD in synthetic organic chemistry or relevant degree

Tools

NMR

HPLC

GC

FTIR

DSC

Job description

As a Development Chemist you will be responsible for developing the synthesis and manufacture of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and intermediates for emerging drug candidates and established commercial cGMP products.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and optimizing synthetic organic processes.
• Designing and carrying out laboratory scale experimental chemistry work programs.
• Effectively navigating the current literature through online platforms to solve complex chemistry issues.
• Defining critical process parameters to support regulatory filings.
• Preparing reports and presenting scientific results to customers.
• Providing technical support and oversight of developed processes during manufacture.
• On occasion, providing shift cover for cGMP processes.
• Working collaboratively with other project team members including Analytical, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Purchasing business functions.
• Working closely with Hazard Evaluation and Safety Departments to ensure that all processes are safe at both laboratory and manufacturing scales.
• Preparing cGMP documentation to support transfer of processes to plant.
• Maintaining current and accurate laboratory records that document all experimental results.
• Complying with all health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Embody our company values, which are: be reliable, be caring, be transparent, and be willing.
• This is a key customer‑facing role, working in partnership with our customers to successfully deliver products, commitment and scientific rigor. You will have strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present scientific results clearly and concisely.

Qualifications

• Creative thinking and hands‑on experience in organic synthesis, with familiarity with analytical and characterization methods used to develop organic synthesis.
• Comfortable with interpreting analytical data (e.g. NMR, HPLC, GC, FTIR, DSC).
• Experience in a contract development and manufacturing organization is beneficial; projects will be varied and will always include hands‑on laboratory work.
• Strong scientific reasoning, problem‑solving skills, and flexibility required to manage complex challenges.
• PhD degree in synthetic organic chemistry, or a master’s or bachelor’s degree with relevant synthetic chemistry experience.
• Good working knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry and methods.
• Strong, reliable and adaptable work ethic.
• Excellent customer‑service focus.
• Good oral and written communication skills to provide project updates and reports for internal and customer meetings/teleconference calls.
• Ability to effectively set priorities on projects and efficiently manage time to meet contract goals.

About Sterling Pharma Solutions

Sterling Pharma Solutions is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with more than 50 years' experience in developing and manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). This is complemented by Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) research, development and clinical manufacturing services. We are a fast growing, dynamic business with facilities in the UK, US and Europe, where we employ talented and passionate people who support our customers in bringing new medicines to market, improving and saving the lives of patients. Our culture and our way of working sets us apart as a business; we aim to deliver an exceptional experience to our customers and our employees. You can expect to be part of a supportive team, all working towards a shared goal: to deliver first‑class science and service to our customers every day.

Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including bonus, pension scheme, private healthcare, Engagement Hub, cycle to work scheme, death in service coverage, on‑site health and wellbeing support including medical consultations and physiotherapy, 24/7 employee assistance programme, employee referral scheme, sports and social club as well as opportunities for training and further career development.