Process Chemist - API Manufacturing

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Pension benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a skilled Process Chemist to optimize and scale up API manufacturing processes. You will contribute to process development, validation, and troubleshooting from lab synthesis to commercial production.

The ideal candidate holds an MSc/PhD in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering, with 3+ years in pharma process development and a strong grasp of organic synthesis and GMP requirements.

Qualifications

• MSc/PhD in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering.
• 3+ years of experience in process development and scale-up in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong understanding of organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and purification techniques.
• Experience with GMP regulations and pharmaceutical manufacturing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up chemical synthesis routes for APIs, focusing on safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct process hazard analyses and implement necessary safety controls for chemical manufacturing operations.
• Perform process validation studies and generate documentation required for regulatory submissions.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Collaborate with analytical chemists, engineers, and production personnel to ensure seamless technology transfer and production.
• Stay current with advancements in process chemistry and manufacturing technologies, proposing innovative solutions.

Skills

Process chemistry

Organic chemistry

Problem solving

Chemical engineering

Education

MSc/PhD in Organic Chemistry or Process Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled and innovative Process Chemist to join their dynamic Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing team in Durban . This role is critical for optimizing and scaling up chemical processes to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality production of APIs. You will work on process development, validation, and troubleshooting, playing a key part in the journey from laboratory synthesis to commercial manufacturing. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in organic chemistry and chemical engineering principles, with a passion for problem-solving and continuous process improvement within a regulated pharmaceutical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up chemical synthesis routes for APIs, focusing on safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct process hazard analyses and implement necessary safety controls for chemical manufacturing operations.
• Perform process validation studies and generate documentation required for regulatory submissions.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Collaborate with analytical chemists, engineers, and production personnel to ensure seamless technology transfer and production.
• Stay current with advancements in process chemistry and manufacturing technologies, proposing innovative solutions.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering.
• Proven experience (3+ years) in process development and scale-up of chemical reactions, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong understanding of organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and purification techniques.
• Experience with process safety evaluations and hazard assessments.
• Familiarity with GMP regulations and pharmaceutical manufacturing requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Pension fund and life assurance benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• Access to advanced manufacturing technologies and a supportive R&D environment.