Senior Pharmaceutical Chemist (API Synthesis)

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Chemist for a Polokwane, Limpopo facility. This hybrid role combines strategic remote planning with hands-on laboratory work on-site to develop robust, scalable routes for API manufacturing.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or MSc in organic/medicinal chemistry with 4+ years in synthetic chemistry, and has strong proficiency in NMR, MS, HPLC, GC and GMP-compliant processes. You will mentor junior staff and contribute to innovation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry or closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 years post-graduate experience in synthetic organic chemistry, preferably in API development.
• Proven ability to design and execute complex multi-step syntheses.
• Experience with modern analytical techniques for compound characterization (NMR, MS, HPLC, GC).
• Knowledge of GMP, process chemistry, and scale-up principles.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute synthetic routes for APIs and key intermediates with emphasis on efficiency and purity.
• Optimize reaction conditions and develop scalable processes for pilot and commercial manufacturing.
• Characterize compounds using NMR, MS, HPLC, and GC techniques.
• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Conduct literature searches and patent analyses to guide synthesis strategies.
• Collaborate with process development engineers and analytical chemists for lab-to-plant transition.
• Maintain detailed lab notebooks and reports; ensure safety and GMP compliance.
• Stay updated on advances in synthetic chemistry and API manufacturing technologies.
• Mentor junior chemists and contribute to a culture of excellence.

Skills

Synthetic Route Design

Scale-up Principles

Analytical Thinking

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

MS in Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

Mass Spectrometry

HPLC

GC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent pharmaceutical company specializing in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) development and manufacturing, is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Chemist for their facility in Polokwane, Limpopo. This role focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and optimization of complex organic molecules for pharmaceutical applications. You will be instrumental in developing robust and scalable synthetic routes for new chemical entities (NCEs). The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, excellent analytical skills, and a commitment to innovation. This hybrid role allows for a blend of remote strategic planning and essential on-site laboratory work at our Polokwane site.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute synthetic routes for target APIs and key intermediates, ensuring efficiency, yield, and purity.


• Optimize reaction conditions and develop scalable synthetic processes suitable for pilot and commercial manufacturing.


• Characterize synthesized compounds using various analytical techniques, including NMR, Mass Spectrometry, HPLC, and GC.


• Troubleshoot synthetic challenges and develop innovative solutions to overcome them.


• Conduct literature searches and patent analyses to inform synthetic strategies.


• Collaborate with process development engineers and analytical chemists to ensure seamless transition from lab to plant.


• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory notebooks and reports.


• Ensure all activities comply with safety regulations, environmental standards, and GMP guidelines.


• Stay current with advancements in synthetic organic chemistry and API manufacturing technologies.


• Mentor junior chemists and contribute to a culture of scientific excellence.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related field.


• Minimum of 4 years of post-graduate experience in synthetic organic chemistry, preferably within the pharmaceutical industry (API development).


• Demonstrated expertise in designing and executing complex multi-step organic syntheses.


• Proficiency in modern synthetic organic chemistry techniques and purification methods.


• Strong experience with analytical techniques for compound characterization (NMR, MS, HPLC, GC).


• Knowledge of process chemistry, scale-up principles, and GMP requirements.


• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and organizational skills.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and excellent opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic pharmaceutical setting. The hybrid work model provides flexibility, balancing strategic remote work with hands‑on laboratory contributions. Join our Polokwane team and contribute to the development of essential medicines.