Senior API Process Chemist — Development & Scale-Up

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Pharmaceutical Development Scientist (Process Chemistry) in Paarl, Western Cape. Lead design, optimization, and scale-up of API synthesis routes within a GMP framework.

The role emphasizes robust process development, technology transfer, and collaboration with analytical and manufacturing teams. Strong communication and mentorship are expected in a dynamic R&D environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or related field.
• 5–7 years progressive experience in process chemistry in pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry.
• Strong knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry and modern methodologies.
• GMP experience with API manufacturing and regulatory awareness (ICH Q7).

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize synthetic routes for APIs with scalability and cost-efficiency.
• Conduct lab studies to investigate mechanisms and identify critical process parameters.
• Execute process development studies including route scouting and impurity profiling.
• Perform process hazard assessments and implement safety measures.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for monitoring progress and impurity profiling.
• Oversee technology transfer from lab to pilot and manufacturing.
• Collaborate with analytical, formulation, and manufacturing teams.
• Prepare detailed process development reports and transfer packages for regulatory submissions.
• Stay updated on new methodologies and regulatory guidelines.
• Provide mentorship to junior scientists.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

Process chemistry

Analytical methods

Hazard analysis

Data analysis

Technical report writing

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

HPLC

GC

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Senior Pharmaceutical Development Scientist (Process Chemistry) in Paarl, Western Cape. Lead design, optimization, and scale-up of API synthesis routes within a GMP framework.

The role emphasizes robust process development, technology transfer, and collaboration with analytical and manufacturing teams. Strong communication and mentorship are expected in a dynamic R&D environment.