Senior Scientist, Process Chemistry

CHEManager International; Hoddesdon; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pharmaron seeks a Senior Scientist in Process Chemistry in Hoddesdon, UK. The role focuses on developing robust synthetic routes and scalable processes for pharmaceutical programs, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams across services.

You will lead laboratory investigations, drive process development from discovery to pilot plant and contribute to technical strategy while mentoring junior scientists.

Qualifications

• PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry or related field.
• Proven retrosynthesis, reaction optimisation and multi-step synthesis.
• Experience with analytical techniques to elucidate structures.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver route development and process optimisation programmes.
• Lead scale-up activities from lab to GMP manufacturing.
• Present scientific updates to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Mentor junior scientists and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

Process development

Retrosynthesis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

LC-MS

Robotics-assisted screening

Job description

Job Introduction

Senior Scientist, Process Chemistry

Location

Hoddesdon, UK

Pharmaron is a global CRO helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 25,000 employees worldwide across 28 locations in the US, UK and China, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services.

We're proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported over 780 discovery projects, 1,000+ CMC programmes, and 1,000+ clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules to biologics and gene therapies, and we work with more than 3,000 global customers. To learn more, visit www.pharmaron.com

About The Role

Pharmaron is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist, Process Chemistry to join our expanding Process Chemistry team in Hoddesdon.

Important Eligibility Requirements

Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship or support with work permit applications for this position. Applicants must therefore already have the unrestricted right to work in the UK and must not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Our Process Chemistry group delivers complex pharmaceuticals for clinical trials and marketed products working with pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners across the globe. Working at the forefront of API development, our team designs routes and discovers new reactions, then turns them into robust and commercially viable manufacturing processes. We do this using the latest technology for robotics-enhanced reaction screening, machine learning models and other statistical tools, and in close collaboration with other scientific teams in the Pharmaron network across the UK, US, and China.

In this role, you will lead scientific activities within a variety of projects, applying your expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and process development to solve challenging technical problems. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, contribute to client interactions, and play an important role in the successful delivery of pharmaceuticals from laboratory development through to pilot plant manufacture.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-growing global organisation and contribute to the development of innovative therapies that improve patients' lives.

The Opportunity

You Will

• Design and execute complex synthetic chemistry programmes to support API development.
• Lead process development and optimisation activities from laboratory scale through to GMP manufacture.
• Apply scientific expertise to solve challenging chemistry and scale-up problems.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver project objectives and client expectations.
• Contribute to technical strategy and decision‑making across project teams.
• Support client interactions by presenting scientific updates and recommendations.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement within process chemistry operations.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to team development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver experimental programmes focused on route development and process optimisation.
• Interpret complex reaction data and develop scientifically sound solutions.
• Lead laboratory investigations and troubleshooting activities.
• Support scale‑up and technology transfer activities into pilot plant and GMP manufacturing environments.
• Prepare high‑quality technical reports and project documentation.
• Communicate scientific progress to internal stakeholders and external clients.
• Ensure compliance with GMP requirements and company quality standards.
• Identify and implement opportunities for operational and scientific improvements.
• Contribute to the development of new technologies and capabilities within Process Chemistry.

About You

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry or relevant discipline; may have post‑doctoral or industry experience.
• Proven knowledge and experience of retrosynthesis, reaction optimisation, catalysis, and multi‑step organic synthesis.
• Ability to analyse reactions and elucidate structures using a variety of techniques.
• Strong track record of achievement demonstrated through publication in leading journals, presentations at scientific conferences, or inventorship on patents.
• Exposure to the principles, tools, and practice of process chemistry is advantageous but not necessary.

Knowledge & Skills

• Deep understanding of synthetic organic chemistry and reaction mechanisms.
• Excellent scientific communication and technical writing skills.
• Ability to manage priorities in a complex and multi‑faced project and work as part of a team.
• Strong problem‑solving, resilience, and desire to achieve project goals.

Leadership Attributes

• Demonstrates scientific leadership and technical credibility.
• Collaborative and influential across functional teams.
• Capable of mentoring and developing less experienced scientists.
• Proactive approach to innovation and continuous improvement.

Why Join Pharmaron?

• Be part of a globally recognised organisation delivering world‑class chemistry solutions.
• Work on scientifically challenging projects with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
• Access cutting‑edge laboratories, pilot plant facilities and GMP manufacturing capabilities.
• Collaborate with talented scientists across discovery, development and manufacturing disciplines.
• Benefit from excellent career progression opportunities within a rapidly growing global organisation.
• Join a culture that values innovation, teamwork, scientific excellence and continuous development.

Collaborative Culture: Thrive in our inclusive and collaborative environment, where teamwork and innovation go hand in hand. Here, your voice matters, and your contributions make a real impact. \"Employees Number One\" and \"Clients Centered\" are the core cultural values at Pharmaron. Our culture, which sets Pharmaron apart from other organizations, has evolved from our deep commitment to our employees, partners and collaborators.

About Pharmaron

Pharmaron is a premier service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and CGT products. With over 25,000 employees and operations in the U.S., the U.K. and China. Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.