Process Development Chemist

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development

Industry conferences

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, seeks a Process Development Chemist to optimize and scale chemical processes from lab to production. The role focuses on organic synthesis, reaction engineering, and process safety, translating lab results into robust manufacturing methods.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in process development, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate with R&D, engineering, and production teams to deliver safe, efficient processes for commercialization.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development or chemical process engineering.
• Strong understanding of organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and kinetics.
• Experience with process scale-up and troubleshooting of chemical manufacturing operations.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, NMR, and Mass Spectrometry.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and hazard assessment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes for new and existing products.
• Scale up chemical processes from laboratory bench to pilot plant and commercial production.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety measures.
• Investigate and resolve process-related issues encountered during development and manufacturing.
• Characterize raw materials, intermediates, and finished products using analytical techniques.
• Design and execute experiments to optimize reaction conditions, yields, and purity.
• Collaborate with R&D scientists and engineers to ensure a seamless transition of processes.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for process monitoring and quality control.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Chemical Engineering (related field)

Tools

HPLC

GC

NMR

Mass Spectrometry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking specialty chemicals manufacturer, is seeking an innovative and skilled Process Development Chemist for their facility in Sandton, Gauteng . This role is central to optimizing and scaling up chemical processes from laboratory to pilot plant and ultimately to commercial production. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in organic chemistry, reaction engineering, and process safety, with a proven ability to translate laboratory findings into robust, scalable manufacturing processes. You will be responsible for troubleshooting existing processes, identifying areas for improvement, and developing new synthetic routes that are efficient, safe, and environmentally sustainable. This position requires a highly analytical mind, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with R&D, engineering, and production teams. You will be instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring the successful commercialization of new chemical products. The role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge chemical development in a dynamic industrial setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes for new and existing products.
• Scale up chemical processes from laboratory bench to pilot plant and commercial production.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety measures.
• Investigate and resolve process-related issues encountered during development and manufacturing.
• Characterize raw materials, intermediates, and finished products using analytical techniques.
• Design and execute experiments to optimize reaction conditions, yields, and purity.
• Collaborate with R&D scientists and engineers to ensure a seamless transition of processes.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for process monitoring and quality control.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and prepare technical reports.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development or chemical process engineering within the chemical industry.
• Strong understanding of organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and kinetics.
• Experience with process scale-up and troubleshooting of chemical manufacturing operations.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, NMR, and Mass Spectrometry.
• Knowledge of process safety principles and hazard assessment.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Familiarity with statistical design of experiments (DoE) is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, life insurance, and a retirement fund.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, professional development, and attending industry conferences are provided.
• Generous paid time off is standard.
• The company culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being.
• Performance-based bonuses may be awarded.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment is guaranteed.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the R&D and operations departments are excellent.