Production Chemist

SAVA; London Borough of Islington; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

SAVA is rapidly scaling a next-generation biosensor; we seek a Production Chemist to turn validated chemistry into a GMP-compliant supply. You will perform GMP synthesis of sensor polymers and QC testing, documenting batches to GDP standards.

Working with the Senior Production Chemist and R&D, you will help build production as a function from the ground up and develop GMP expertise as we grow. This role suits an early-career organic chemist seeking responsibility.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience of organic synthesis, including multi-step reactions, work-up and purification.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as NMR, HPLC, KF or elemental analysis and ability to interpret data.
• Accurate lab record keeping and understanding of documentation in regulated environments.
• Attention to detail and a quality-first mindset.
• Eagerness to learn, follow procedures precisely and raise issues early.

Responsibilities

• Carry out GMP synthesis of sensor polymers following validated MPIs.
• Support production planning to meet manufacturing demand.
• Assist with planned scale increases (up to ~200 g) in partnership with R&D.
• Help manage raw materials, reagents and supplier CoAs.
• Perform QC testing using validated methods (e.g. NMR, HPLC, KF, elemental analysis).
• Contribute to review and improvement of QC methods and specifications.
• Support investigations into OOS results and deviations, and help implement CAPA.
• Manage retained samples and support stability studies.
• Complete batch and QC records to GDP and data integrity standards.
• Prepare batch documentation for QA review and release.
• Support change controls and help draft updates to MPIs, QCIs, work instructions and SOPs.
• Help keep production equipment calibrated and maintained.
• Support internal and external audits.

Skills

GMP synthesis

Organic synthesis

Analytical techniques

Lab record keeping

Attention to detail

Documentation

Eagerness to learn

Education

BSc or MSc in chemistry

Job description

About SAVA

All the health information we need is within us. Just below the skin. SAVA is redefining the way people interact with their health by developing the most advanced biosensing technology science has to offer, capable of accessing bodily information in a painless, real-time and affordable way.

The Role

At SAVA, we are rapidly scaling a next-generation biosensor designed to shift healthcare from reactive to preventative. Joining our materials production team as a Production Chemist, you will help turn our validated chemistry into a reliable, GMP-compliant supply, carrying out the synthesis, QC testing and batch documentation of the specialist polymers at the heart of our device. Working alongside our Senior Production Chemist and R&D team, you will help build production as a function from the ground up and develop your GMP expertise as we grow. This is an ideal role for an organic chemist early in their career who wants hands-on responsibility, room to develop, and a direct impact on a health technology with the potential to change lives.

What You’ll Do

• Carry out GMP synthesis of our sensor polymers following validated MPIs.
• Support production planning to meet manufacturing demand.
• Assist with planned scale increases (up to ~200 g) in partnership with R&D.
• Help manage raw materials, reagents and supplier CoAs.
• Perform QC testing using validated methods (e.g. NMR, HPLC, KF, elemental analysis).
• Contribute to the review and improvement of QC methods and specifications.
• Support investigations into OOS results and deviations, and help implement CAPA.
• Manage retained samples and support stability studies.
• Complete batch and QC records to GDP and data integrity standards.
• Prepare batch documentation for QA review and release.
• Support change controls and help draft updates to MPIs, QCIs, work instructions and SOPs.
• Help keep production equipment calibrated and maintained.
• Support internal and external audits.

What We’re Looking For

• BSc or MSc in chemistry or a related discipline with a strong organic synthesis component.
• Hands-on experience of organic synthesis, including multi-step reactions, work-up and purification (e.g. through a research project, placement or industry role).
• Practical experience with analytical techniques such as NMR, HPLC, KF or elemental analysis, and confidence interpreting the data.
• Accurate, thorough lab record keeping and an understanding of why documentation matters in a regulated environment.
• Attention to detail and a quality-first mindset.
• Eagerness to learn, follow procedures precisely and raise issues early.

Bonus Points For

• 1–2 years’ industry experience in a production, scale-up, or QC/analytical laboratory.
• Experience working under GMP, including batch records, deviations or change control.
• Experience running reactions at larger lab scale (tens to hundreds of grams).
• Experience with air- or moisture-sensitive chemistry (e.g. Schlenk line or glovebox).
• Exposure to ISO 13485 or the medical device sector.
• Exposure to test method validation or audits.
• Experience in a start-up or fast-growing company.

Why Sava

Few people get to work on technology that could change how millions of people understand their own bodies. Here, you will. You’ll own real problems from your first week, work alongside people who are exceptional at what they do, and see your work go straight into the product.

The problems are hard, the pace is fast and the work is often messy. If that’s what gets you out of bed in the morning, we’d love to hear from you.