Process Development Chemist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical and retirement benefits

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Process Development Chemist to advance scalable chemical processes from concept to pilot scale, bridging laboratory research and production operations.

The role focuses on optimizing routes, performing experiments, analyzing data with HPLC/GC/NMR/MS, and collaborating with chemical engineers in a hybrid lab/plant setting in Stellenbosch.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemistry or related field with strong focus on synthetic or process chemistry.
• 3+ years of experience in process development or optimization within pharmaceutical, fine chemical, or related industries.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, NMR, and MS.
• Experience with laboratory automation and DoE is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of GLP and laboratory safety practices.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a hybrid team structure in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes and manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Conduct laboratory experiments, analyze results, and document findings to support scale-up.
• Troubleshoot chemical process issues, identify root causes, and propose solutions.
• Collaborate with chemical engineers and R&D personnel to transfer processes from lab to pilot plant and full-scale production.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve process efficiency, yield, and environmental footprint.
• Ensure all laboratory work complies with regulations and company policies.

Skills

Process development

Analytical chemistry

HPLC

GC

NMR

DoE

GLP

Problem solving

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemistry

Tools

Gas Chromatography (GC)

NMR spectrometer

Mass Spectrometry (MS)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented Process Development Chemist to contribute to their innovative research and development efforts in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role involves optimizing existing chemical processes and developing new ones that are efficient, scalable, and sustainable. You will work in a collaborative laboratory environment, utilizing your strong chemical knowledge to solve complex problems and bring new products from concept to pilot scale. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated scientist with a passion for practical application and a proven ability to work effectively in both laboratory and operational settings, bridging the gap between research and production.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes and manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Conduct laboratory experiments, analyze results, and document findings thoroughly to support process scale-up.
• Troubleshoot chemical process issues, identifying root causes and proposing effective solutions.
• Collaborate with chemical engineers and other R&D personnel to ensure seamless transfer of processes from lab to pilot plant and full-scale production.
• Evaluate new technologies and methodologies to improve process efficiency, yield, and environmental footprint.
• Ensure all laboratory work is conducted safely and in compliance with relevant regulations and company policies.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field with a strong focus on synthetic or process chemistry.
• 3+ years of experience in process development or optimization within the pharmaceutical, fine chemical, or related industries.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, NMR, and MS.
• Experience with laboratory automation and statistical experimental design (DoE) is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of chemical safety principles and good laboratory practices (GLP).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a hybrid team structure in Stellenbosch .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave and paid public holidays.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and research equipment.
• Opportunities for further education and professional development in the vibrant academic environment of Stellenbosch .