Remote Senior Process Chemist - Pharmaceutical Development

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Competitive compensation

Health and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Impactful drug development projects

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Chemist for a fully remote role focused on the design, optimization, and scale-up of synthetic routes for APIs and intermediates. You will leverage your organic chemistry and process development expertise to ensure safe, cost-effective production for global drug development programs.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in pharmaceutical process chemistry, with strong problem-solving and communication skills, and experience with regulatory guidelines.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or MS in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in pharmaceutical process chemistry focusing on API development and scale-up.
• Strong understanding of synthetic organic chemistry principles and reaction mechanisms.
• Proven experience optimizing chemical reactions, crystallization, and isolation techniques.
• Knowledge of regulatory guidelines (ICH, FDA) relevant to API manufacturing.
• Familiarity with process safety assessment and risk management principles.
• Experience with DoE and QbD principles is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design scalable, robust, and economically viable synthetic processes for APIs and key intermediates.
• Optimize reaction conditions, purification methods, and isolation procedures to maximize yield and purity.
• Perform process hazard assessments and implement safety controls.
• Conduct process validation studies and support regulatory filings (IND, NDA).
• Troubleshoot and resolve process-related issues during development and manufacturing.
• Mentor junior chemists and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Remote work capability

Education

Ph.D. or MS in Organic Chemistry or Process Chemistry

Tools

Design of Experiments (DoE)

Quality by Design (QbD)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a dynamic pharmaceutical company committed to developing life-changing medicines. We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Process Chemist to join our fully remote drug development team. This critical role involves the design, optimization, and scale-up of synthetic routes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates. You will leverage your expertise in organic chemistry and process development to ensure the efficient, safe, and cost-effective production of high-quality pharmaceutical compounds. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to contribute to critical drug development programs in a remote-first, collaborative setting. If you are passionate about advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing and thrive in an environment that values innovation and scientific excellence, this role is for you. You will play a key role in bringing novel therapies to patients worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop robust, scalable, and economically viable synthetic processes for APIs and key intermediates.
• Optimize reaction conditions, purification methods, and isolation procedures to maximize yield, purity, and throughput.
• Perform process hazard assessments and implement safety controls to ensure safe operations.
• Conduct process validation studies and support regulatory filings (e.g., IND, NDA).
• Troubleshoot and resolve process-related issues encountered during development and manufacturing.
• Utilize Process Analytical Technology (PAT) and Quality by Design (QbD) principles in process development.
• Collaborate effectively with medicinal chemists, analytical chemists, engineers, and manufacturing personnel.
• Author technical reports, development protocols, and relevant sections of regulatory submissions.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory guidelines in pharmaceutical process chemistry.
• Mentor junior chemists and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in pharmaceutical process chemistry, focusing on API development and scale-up.
• Strong understanding of synthetic organic chemistry principles and reaction mechanisms.
• Proven experience in optimizing chemical reactions, crystallization, and isolation techniques.
• Knowledge of regulatory guidelines (e.g., ICH, FDA) relevant to API manufacturing.
• Familiarity with process safety assessment and risk management principles.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively document and present technical information.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a remote environment.
• Experience with DoE (Design of Experiments) and QbD principles is highly desirable.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers excellent flexibility and the convenience of working from home.
• Our client provides a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, and a generous retirement savings plan.
• We support continuous professional development through internal training, external courses, and conference attendance.
• You will have the opportunity to work on impactful drug development projects that have the potential to improve patient lives globally.
• Enjoy a collaborative and innovative work environment with a team of dedicated professionals.
• Our client is committed to fostering a positive and supportive remote work culture, ensuring excellent work-life balance and employee well-being.