Process Development Scientist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Access to lab facilities

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Process Development Scientist based in Benoni, SA. You will develop and refine chemical processes for new and existing products, bridging lab discovery and pilot-scale production, designing experiments, and analyzing results to drive process improvements.

The role emphasizes DoE, data analysis, and collaboration with engineering teams, offering a challenging R&D environment and opportunities for professional development in state-of-the-art facilities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in process development, scale-up, or R&D in chemical/pharmaceutical industries.
• Strong background in synthetic chemistry and analytical techniques (HPLC, GC-MS, NMR).
• Experience with DoE and data analysis software.
• Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory-scale experiments to develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes and formulations.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical methods and interpret results to guide process development.
• Collaborate with engineers to scale up laboratory processes to pilot plant and production scale.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges during process development and scale-up.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and presentations on findings and recommendations.
• Ensure laboratory activities comply with safety, health, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Synthesis chemistry

Analytical techniques

DoE (design of experiments)

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

HPLC

GC-MS

NMR

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a skilled Process Development Scientist to contribute to innovation and optimization within their research and development department located in Benoni. This role is focused on the development and refinement of chemical processes for new and existing products, bridging the gap between laboratory discovery and pilot-scale production. You will be responsible for designing experiments, analyzing results, and providing detailed recommendations for process improvements. This position offers a stimulating research environment for a scientist eager to apply their knowledge to practical chemical engineering challenges and contribute to the company's product pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory-scale experiments to develop and optimize chemical synthesis routes and formulations.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical methods and interpret results to guide process development.
• Collaborate with engineers to scale up laboratory processes to pilot plant and eventually full production scale.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges encountered during process development and scale-up.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, documentation, and presentations on experimental findings and process recommendations.
• Ensure all laboratory activities are conducted in compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering , or a related scientific discipline.
• 3-5 years of experience in process development, scale-up, or R&D within the chemical or pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong background in synthetic chemistry and analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS, NMR).
• Experience with statistical design of experiments (DoE) and data analysis software.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Excellent scientific communication and technical writing skills, particularly for R&D findings in Benoni.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and attending scientific conferences.
• Access to state-of-the‑art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• A stimulating research‑oriented environment focused on innovation and scientific discovery.