Lead Process Chemist - Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance-based bonus opportunities

Medical aid & retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Modern laboratory facilities

Life-changing medicines

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks a Lead Process Chemist to lead scale-up of API manufacturing. The role requires an MSc/PhD in a related field with 8+ years in process chemistry and at least 2 years in a supervisory capacity.

You will guide chemists and technicians, optimize processes, and ensure GMP-compliant, high-quality production. You will collaborate with R&D, QA, and production teams to deliver efficient, safe operations in a state-of-the-art facility, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field required.
• 8+ years in pharmaceutical process chemistry with 2+ years in supervision.
• GMP experience and strong leadership capabilities are essential.
• Knowledge of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up chemical processes for APIs and intermediates.
• Lead and mentor a team of process chemists and technicians.
• Troubleshoot process-related issues to minimize production disruption.
• Conduct process hazard analyses and implement safety protocols.
• Collaborate with R&D to transfer processes from lab to pilot and scale.
• Oversee validation of manufacturing processes for regulatory compliance (GMP).
• Develop process improvements to enhance yield and reduce costs.
• Maintain detailed experimental and analytical records.
• Prepare reports and presentations for management and regulatory submissions.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

MSc or Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the pharmaceutical sector, is actively seeking a highly skilled Lead Process Chemist to join their operations in George, Western Cape.

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a leadership role within the client's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. You will be instrumental in optimizing and scaling up chemical processes essential for the production of high-quality pharmaceutical products. This position requires a blend of deep chemical expertise, process engineering knowledge, and strong leadership capabilities. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, contributing to the efficient and safe manufacturing of life-saving medications. The role involves close collaboration with production, quality control, and research and development teams to ensure seamless process integration and continuous improvement. As a lead, you will guide a team of chemists and technicians, fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence. This role is critical to ensuring the consistent supply of essential pharmaceutical ingredients and finished products that meet stringent regulatory standards. We are looking for a dedicated professional who is passionate about chemical process development and its application in the pharmaceutical industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up chemical processes for the synthesis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and intermediates.
• Lead and mentor a team of process chemists and technicians, providing technical guidance and support.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process-related issues encountered during manufacturing, ensuring minimal disruption to production schedules.
• Conduct process hazard analyses and implement safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment.
• Collaborate with the R&D department to transfer new chemical processes from laboratory to pilot and commercial scale.
• Oversee the validation of new and existing manufacturing processes to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., GMP).
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance yield, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, process parameters, and analytical results.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for management and regulatory submissions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations.

Requirements

• MSc or Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical process chemistry, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
• Demonstrated expertise in process development, scale-up, and validation within a GMP environment.
• Strong understanding of reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and separation techniques.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, MS, and NMR.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a technical team.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA) pertaining to pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Proficiency in process simulation and modeling software is a plus.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting your expertise.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development and further education.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.
• Access to modern laboratory facilities and advanced instrumentation.
• Be part of a company committed to producing life-changing medicines.