Research Scientist - CRDMO Synthesis

Utkarsh Placement; Navi Mumbai; On-site; INR 2,400,000 - 4,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Utkarsh Placement is hiring a Research Scientist – High Pressure (HP) Lab in Navi Mumbai. The role focuses on synthesis chemistry, high-pressure reactions, and scale-up from kilo lab to pilot plant.

You will manage autoclave operations, lead CRDMO projects, and develop efficient routes with DoE and process optimization, while ensuring safety and compliance across the R&D to manufacturing interface.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or MSc in Chemistry required.
• 3–5 years of R&D leadership experience.
• Exposure to CRDMO, API or specialty chemicals is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage Kilo Lab and High-Pressure/Autoclave operations and scale-up safely.
• Lead CRDMO projects, new product development and process improvement.
• Develop and optimize synthetic processes via route development and DoE.
• Coordinate with Process Safety and Process Engineering teams for safe scale-up.

Skills

R&D leadership

Synthesis Chemistry

Process R&D

High-Pressure Chemistry

Autoclave operations

DoE

Education

Ph.D./M.Sc. in Chemistry

Tools

SciFinder

Reaxys

Orbit

ChemDraw

Job description

Were Hiring | Research Scientist High Pressure (HP) Lab

An exciting opportunity for an experienced R&D professional with a strong background in Synthesis Chemistry, High-Pressure Reactions and Kilo Lab Scale-up.

Position: Research Scientist – High Pressure (HP) Lab
Function: Research & Development – CRDMO
Qualification: Ph.D. / M.Sc. in Chemistry
Experience: 3–5 years of R&D experience at managerial/leadership level
Industry Exposure: API / Specialty Chemicals / CRDMO / Process R&D
Location: Navi Mumbai

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Kilo Lab and High-Pressure/Autoclave operations and execute safe scale-up activities.
• Handle high-pressure reactions such as Hydrogenation, Ammonolysis, Ethylation and Carbonylation.
• Manage scale-up batches from gram to kilogram scale, supporting transition from bench R&D to pilot and commercial manufacturing.
• Lead CRDMO projects, new product development and continuous process improvement.
• Develop and optimize synthetic processes through route development, process optimization and intensification.
• Conduct literature and patent searches to identify and develop novel synthesis routes.
• Apply Design of Experiments (DoE) and advanced laboratory techniques for process optimization.
• Coordinate with Process Safety and Process Engineering teams for safe and successful scale-up and technology transfer.
• Prepare technical reports, project documentation and presentations.
• Lead, guide and develop R&D team members.
• Ensure strong compliance with ELN, Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA), laboratory safety and documentation requirements.

The JD specifically positions this role as the bridge between bench-scale R&D and commercial manufacturing, including specialized high-pressure chemistry, process optimization and technology transfer.

Key Skills Required

Strong Synthesis Chemistry | Organic Synthesis | Process R&D | High-Pressure Chemistry | Autoclave | Hydrogenation | Kilo Lab | Scale-up | Technology Transfer | Process Optimization | DoE | Process Safety | SciFinder | Reaxys | ChemDraw | Patent & Literature Search | Team Management

The JD specifically identifies SciFinder, Reaxys, Orbit, ChemDraw, patent/research-article reading and strong synthesis chemistry as functional competencies.