Lead Process Development Chemist

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary package with bonuses

Medical aid and retirement fund

Generous annual leave

State-of-the-art laboratory facilities

Professional development opportunities

Conference and training support

Collaborative work environment in GEOR

Opportunities for advancement

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks a Lead Process Development Chemist to drive scale-up from lab to pilot and production. The role centers on optimizing chemistries, validating processes, and ensuring safe technology transfer to manufacturing.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD or MSc in Chemistry with 8+ years in process development, and expertise in HPLC, GC, NMR, and MS to support robust product launches and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in Chemistry (Organic, Inorganic, or Physical) or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in chemical process development and scale-up.
• Expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and reaction mechanism understanding.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, NMR, and MS.
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering principles for process design.
• Experience with process safety evaluations (e.g., reaction calorimetry, hazard analysis).
• Excellent project management and leadership abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of chemical processes for new products and improvements.
• Oversee pilot plant operations, process validation, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
• Develop and implement analytical methods for in-process control and final release.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety protocols for all activities.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and manufacturing for tech transfer.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets.
• Prepare reports, technical documentation, and stakeholder presentations.
• Mentor junior chemists and technicians in development activities.
• Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and regulatory changes.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

Process scale-up

Analytical method development

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Education

PhD in Chemistry

Master's degree in Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GC

NMR

MS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prominent chemical solutions provider with a significant presence in the agricultural and industrial sectors, looking for a highly motivated and experienced Lead Process Development Chemist to join their innovative team in George, Western Cape . This role is central to the company's research and development efforts, focusing on scaling up laboratory processes to pilot and commercial production. You will play a crucial role in evaluating new chemistries, optimizing existing reaction pathways, and ensuring the safe and efficient transfer of technology to manufacturing sites. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in synthetic chemistry, process scale-up, and analytical method development, coupled with excellent leadership skills. This position is essential for driving innovation and maintaining our client's competitive edge.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of chemical processes for new product introductions and existing product improvements.
• Oversee pilot plant operations, including process validation, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
• Develop and implement robust analytical methods for in-process control and final product release.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments and implement appropriate safety protocols for all development activities.
• Collaborate closely with R&D scientists, engineers, and manufacturing personnel to ensure successful technology transfer.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets effectively.
• Prepare detailed reports, technical documentation, and presentations for stakeholders.
• Mentor and guide junior chemists and technicians in process development activities.
• Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory changes impacting process chemistry.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Chemistry (Organic, Inorganic, or Physical) or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in chemical process development and scale-up.
• Demonstrated expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and reaction mechanism understanding.
• Proven experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, NMR, and MS.
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering principles and their application in process design.
• Experience with process safety evaluations (e.g., reaction calorimetry, hazard analysis).
• Excellent project management and leadership abilities.
• Exceptional problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, adept at conveying complex technical information.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid plan and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave and opportunities for flexible working arrangements.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Support for professional development, conferences, and further education.
• A stimulating and collaborative work environment in George , contributing to impactful chemical innovations.
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing organization.