Group Lead - Pharma(R&D)

ESP Engineered; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 2,000,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive compensation

Equity options

Growth opportunities

Job summary

ESP Engineered is seeking a Group Lead – Pharma R&D to lead end-to-end research and development initiatives for pharmaceutical chemicals and APIs. The role requires a strong leader who will guide a team of scientists and manage innovation while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD or Master's in Chemistry or related fields, with 10–15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, strong project management skills, and a track record of successful technology transfers.

This position offers an attractive compensation package with equity options and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of hands-on R&D experience in pharmaceuticals, APIs, or intermediates.
• Proven track record of leading teams and delivering successful lab-to-plant technology transfers.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of R&D scientists, chemists, and analysts.
• Ensure adherence to GMP, ICH, FDA, and other regulatory frameworks in all R&D activities.
• Identify and drive new R&D opportunities aligned with Scimplify’s pharma vertical.

Skills

Leadership

Process chemistry

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Analytical method development

Education

PhD / Master’s in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Chemical Engineering

Job description

Scimplify is a specialty chemicals manufacturing company offering a full‑stack solution—from R&D and custom synthesis to large‑scale manufacturing and doorstep delivery. Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, we serve multiple industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to agrochemicals and industrial chemicals to personal care and fragrances.

We enable 500+ businesses across 20+ countries to develop and scale innovative chemicals from lab to commercial production. We have raised over $54 million from top tier investors such as Accel and Bertelsmann, We are a team of 250+ professionals with entities in India, Japan, USA, UAE, and Indonesia.

Join us in building the next‑generation innovation engine for global chemistry solutions.

Role Overview

The Group Lead – Pharma R&D will spearhead end‑to‑end research and development initiatives for pharmaceutical chemicals, APIs, and intermediates. The role involves leading a team of scientists, driving innovation, developing scalable processes, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will combine technical depth, leadership skills, and strong project management capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and mentor a team of R&D scientists, chemists, and analysts.
• Drive project prioritization, resource allocation, and provide technical guidance.

Research & Development

• Oversee design, development, and optimization of APIs, intermediates, and formulations.
• Ensure robust process development and technology transfer from lab to pilot to commercial scale.
• Integrate innovation in synthetic routes, green chemistry, and cost‑effective process improvements.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to GMP, ICH, FDA, and other regulatory frameworks in all R&D activities.
• Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to generate required documentation and filings.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (sourcing, manufacturing, supply chain, quality).
• Engage with academic and industrial partners to co‑develop technologies.
• Support business development team with technical expertise for client engagements.

Strategic Contribution

• Identify and drive new R&D opportunities aligned with Scimplify’s pharma vertical.
• Provide market intelligence on pharma chemical trends, competitive landscape, and new technologies.
• Contribute to IP creation and patent strategy.

Qualifications & Skills

• PhD / Master’s in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Chemical Engineering.
• 10–15 years of hands‑on R&D experience in pharmaceuticals, APIs, or intermediates.
• Proven track record of leading teams and delivering successful lab‑to‑plant technology transfers.
• Strong knowledge of process chemistry, scale‑up, regulatory requirements, and quality systems.
• Familiarity with analytical method development, stability studies, and regulatory filings.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, innovation‑driven environment.

Benefits

• Be at the forefront of science‑driven innovation that makes global impact.
• Lead the development of high‑value molecules across diverse sectors.
• Collaborate with top minds in academia and industry.
• Attractive compensation, equity options, and growth opportunities.