Process Development Chemist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Training & development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Process Development Chemist for our client in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role focuses on scaling up new synthetic routes and optimizing processes for commercial production in a collaborative R&D setting.

The candidate will work with engineers and production to ensure safe, cost-effective manufacturing, applying strong organic chemistry knowledge and hands-on laboratory experience in scale-up challenges.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or related field.
• 4+ years in process development chemistry in fine or specialty chemicals.
• Experience scaling up lab processes to pilot scale.
• Strong knowledge of reaction mechanisms and organic synthesis.
• Experience with HPLC, GC, NMR, MS analytics.
• Knowledge of process safety and hazard assessment.
• Excellent problem-solving, organization, and communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale up synthetic routes for new chemical products.
• Conduct experiments on reaction kinetics, mechanisms, and process conditions.
• Troubleshoot issues during pilot plant trials and production.
• Design experiments to improve yield, purity, safety, and reduce costs.
• Collaborate with chemical engineers to translate lab processes to manufacturing procedures.
• Prepare detailed reports documenting findings, parameters, and safety.
• Ensure compliance with safety policies and environmental regulations.
• Maintain accurate lab records and contribute to IP documentation.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment and pilot facilities.
• Stay informed about new synthesis techniques and process technologies.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Analytical methods

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Organic Chemistry / Process Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GC

NMR

MS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished specialty chemicals manufacturer, is actively seeking a talented Process Development Chemist to join their innovative research and development team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This role is crucial for the scale-up and optimization of new chemical synthesis routes and processes, bridging the gap between laboratory discovery and commercial production. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, coupled with practical experience in process chemistry and scale-up challenges. You will work collaboratively with engineers and production personnel to ensure the efficient, safe, and cost-effective manufacturing of high-quality chemical products. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge product development in a vibrant industrial setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale up synthetic routes for new chemical products.
• Conduct laboratory experiments to investigate reaction kinetics, mechanisms, and optimal process conditions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve chemical process issues encountered during pilot plant trials and commercial production.
• Design and execute experiments to improve process yield, purity, safety, and reduce costs.
• Collaborate closely with chemical engineers to translate laboratory processes into robust manufacturing procedures.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documenting experimental findings, process parameters, and safety considerations.
• Ensure all process development activities comply with company safety policies and relevant environmental regulations.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and contribute to intellectual property documentation.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and pilot plant facilities.
• Stay informed about new chemical synthesis techniques and process technologies.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in process development chemistry, preferably within the fine or specialty chemicals industry.
• Strong understanding of synthetic organic chemistry principles and reaction mechanisms.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory synthesis, purification techniques, and analytical methods (e.g., HPLC, GC, NMR, MS).
• Proven ability to scale up chemical processes from lab to pilot scale.
• Familiarity with process safety principles and hazard assessment.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, annual performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and a retirement annuity fund.
• We provide opportunities for continuous learning through internal training programs, workshops, and support for relevant external courses and conferences.
• Employees benefit from a stimulating work environment focused on innovation and development in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga .
• Generous paid time off and a commitment to fostering a healthy work-life balance are standard.
• Join a team dedicated to advancing chemical manufacturing and enjoy a rewarding career path with opportunities for growth within the organization.