Process Development Chemist: Scale-Up & Innovation

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

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.