Lead Process Chemist - API Development

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical & dental insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development

Modern facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Process Chemist to drive API process development, optimization, and scale-up at our Mahikeng site. You will lead a team of chemists and engineers, focusing on yield, purity, and cost-effective manufacturing while ensuring safety and compliance.

The role requires a PhD or MSc in a relevant field with 7+ years in pharmaceutical process development and API production. Strong leadership and analytical skills are essential to advance process technologies in a modern facility.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical process development and API manufacturing.
• Proven expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and process optimization techniques.
• Strong understanding of GMP regulations, process safety, and quality control principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of chemical processes for API synthesis.
• Oversee and mentor a team of process chemists and technicians, providing technical guidance and project leadership.
• Conduct process hazard assessments and implement robust safety protocols.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for in-process control and final product release.
• Collaborate with regulatory affairs to ensure compliance with GMP guidelines and prepare CMC documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

MSc in Process Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GC

Spectroscopy

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Process Chemist to drive the development and optimization of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing processes in Mahikeng . This critical role involves leading a team of chemists and engineers to ensure the safe, efficient, and scalable production of high-quality APIs. You will focus on process improvements, troubleshooting, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance yield, purity, and cost-effectiveness. This position offers a significant opportunity to shape API manufacturing strategies within a leading pharmaceutical company.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of chemical processes for API synthesis.
• Oversee and mentor a team of process chemists and technicians, providing technical guidance and project leadership.
• Conduct process hazard assessments and implement robust safety protocols.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for in-process control and final product release.
• Collaborate with regulatory affairs to ensure compliance with GMP guidelines and prepare CMC documentation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical process development and API manufacturing.
• Proven expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and process optimization techniques.
• Strong understanding of GMP regulations, process safety, and quality control principles.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, and spectroscopy.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with annual performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth in API manufacturing.
• Access to modern manufacturing facilities and advanced process technologies in Mahikeng .