Researcher (Pharmaceutical Technologies) Two-year contract

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive remuneration packages

CSIR Excellence Awards

Job summary

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) invites applications for a Researcher (Pharmaceutical Technologies) on a two-year contract. The role focuses on flow chemistry process development of APIs and related intermediates, telescoping steps for continuous routes, and integration of inline, on-line, and at-line analytics.

Based in Pretoria, the position advances scalable, innovative chemical processes.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in flow chemistry or process chemistry/engineering is required.
• Experience with flow-based process development for small molecule APIs is essential.
• Saudi?SAQA evaluation for international qualifications may be required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize APIs and related intermediates using flow chemistry.
• Telescoping of steps to form continuous batch/flow-hybrid processes.
• Scale processes in a stepwise fashion and integrate DoE.
• Implement in-line and at-line monitoring of reactor systems.
• Supervise postgraduate students or assist in supervision.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications as lead author where applicable.
• Collaborate with CSIR teams and external partners.

Skills

Flow chemistry

Process chemistry

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

Working under pressure

Education

Master's degree in flow chemistry or process chemistry/engineering

Job description

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that research, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation's work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state. The CSIR has a vacancy for a Researcher (Pharmaceutical Technologies) Two-year contract.

About The Job

The CSIR has a temporary vacancy for a Researcher in the Pharmaceutical Technologies research group within the Chemicals Cluster. The incumbent will focus on flow chemistry process development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and related intermediates, including telescoping of process steps to form continuous batch/flow-hybrid process routes and the integration of in-line, on-line and at-line continuous analytical monitoring. The position is based in Pretoria.

For more information about the Cluster visit www.csir.co.za/future-production-chemicals

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize processes for the preparation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and related intermediates using modern manufacturing methods, with a particular focus on flow chemistry and the inclusion of Design of Experiment (DoE);
• Perform translational development, including telescoping of process steps to form continuous batch-/flow-hybrid process routes and scaling these processes in a stepwise fashion;
• Support the broader research group through the provision of solutions to key reaction challenges experienced in flow chemistry, particularly with regards to the development of novel reactor modules and downstream processing tools;
• Implement continuous in-line and/or at-line monitoring of reactor systems;
• Initiate further independent research within the strategic objectives of the Cluster;
• Supervise and/or co-supervise postgraduate students;
• Contribute to the writing of peer reviewed journal publications, of which the successful candidate would be expected to be the lead author for at least one publication per annum;
• Work closely with the research team within the CSIR, and external academic and industry collaborators
• Initiate further independent research within the strategic objectives of the Cluster; and
• Contribute to the writing of peer reviewed journal publications, of which the successful candidate would be expected to be the lead author for at least one publication per annum;

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• A master¿s degree in flow chemistry or process chemistry/engineering, with at least five years¿ laboratory-based flow experience;
• Experience in flow-based process development for small molecule APIs;
• Experience in multi-step flow synthesis, with particular focus on telescoping individual steps to form continuous integrated processes and reaction engineering within complex multi-step systems would be advantageous;
• Experience in the characterisation of organic molecules is essential, further experience in the inclusion of in-line or at-line analytics into processes developed would be advantageous;
• A focus on the design and development of modules and downstream processing tools for integration into continuous flow processes would be advantageous;
• An interest in machine learning guided reaction optimisation would be advantageous;
• Adaptability to change, ability to multi-task and to consistently perform under pressure;
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with others in a research group; and
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

The CSIR Offers

• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market-related remuneration packages.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees' contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards.

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the Employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from Designated Groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicant¿s educational qualification and employment history.

The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.