Process Development Chemist

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 520,000 - 780,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Process Development Chemist for a George, Western Cape position that blends on-site laboratory work with remote collaboration. You will develop and optimize synthetic routes, scale lab procedures to pilot and production levels, and drive cost-effective, safe processes.

The ideal candidate holds a BSc or MSc in Chemistry (PhD welcomed) with 3–5 years in process chemistry, strong DoE experience, and hands-on use of HPLC, GC, NMR and MS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• A PhD is advantageous.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in process chemistry or chemical process development, preferably within the pharmaceutical or specialty chemicals sector.
• Strong practical experience in synthetic organic chemistry and reaction optimization.
• Demonstrated experience in process scale-up from lab to pilot plant.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop new chemical synthesis pathways and optimize existing processes.
• Perform bench-scale synthesis and characterization of chemical compounds.
• Develop robust and scalable manufacturing processes, considering yield, purity, cost, and safety.
• Conduct process hazard assessments and implement appropriate safety protocols.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during process development and scale-up.
• Collaborate with analytical chemists to ensure thorough characterization of intermediates and final products.
• Work closely with engineering teams to transfer processes from laboratory to pilot plant and production.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and prepare comprehensive technical reports.
• Stay updated on advancements in synthetic chemistry and process technology.
• Contribute to IP generation through patent applications and publications.

Skills

Synthesis chemistry

Scale-up

Analytical skills

DoE

Lab safety

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry

PhD advantageous

Tools

HPLC

GC

NMR

MS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a dynamic and growing specialty chemicals company seeking a talented Process Development Chemist to join their innovative team based in George, Western Cape . This hybrid role offers a blend of on-site laboratory work and remote collaboration, providing flexibility and engagement. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in developing and optimizing novel chemical synthesis routes and manufacturing processes. You will be responsible for scaling up laboratory procedures to pilot and production levels, ensuring cost-effectiveness, safety, and environmental sustainability. This position is ideal for a hands-on chemist with a passion for problem-solving and a strong understanding of chemical principles, looking to make a significant impact in the South African chemical industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop new chemical synthesis pathways and optimize existing processes.
• Perform bench-scale synthesis and characterization of chemical compounds.
• Develop robust and scalable manufacturing processes, considering yield, purity, cost, and safety.
• Conduct process hazard assessments and implement appropriate safety protocols.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during process development and scale-up.
• Collaborate with analytical chemists to ensure thorough characterization of intermediates and final products.
• Work closely with engineering teams to facilitate the successful transfer of processes from laboratory to pilot plant and full-scale production.
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory notebooks and prepare comprehensive technical reports.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in synthetic chemistry and process technology.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through patent applications and technical publications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• A PhD is advantageous.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in process chemistry or chemical process development, preferably within the pharmaceutical or specialty chemicals sector.
• Strong practical experience in synthetic organic chemistry and reaction optimization.
• Demonstrated experience in process scale-up from lab to pilot plant.
• Familiarity with process safety principles and hazard analysis techniques.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment and analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC, NMR, MS).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience with statistical design of experiments (DoE) is a plus.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions. The hybrid work model provides a balance between focused lab work and the convenience of remote work for reporting and planning. Our client invests in employee growth, offering opportunities for advanced training, conference participation, and career progression within a supportive and innovative environment. You'll work with state-of-the-art equipment and contribute to exciting new product development in a growing industry. We also provide a dynamic work culture and opportunities to engage with industry leaders.