Senior Pharmaceutical Chemist - Process Development

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Continuous learning

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Pharmaceutical Chemist specializing in Process Development for our client in Sandton, Gauteng. You will lead API process development, optimize synthetic routes, and scale-up manufacturing while ensuring safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

This hybrid role requires a PhD in Organic/Pharmaceutical Chemistry and 5–7 years of API process experience. You will mentor chemists, develop analytical methods, and collaborate across functions to deliver robust

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or closely related field.
• 5–7 years of API process chemistry experience with scale-up.
• Strong background in synthetic organic chemistry and purification techniques.
• Experience with DoE and process optimization tools.
• Regulatory knowledge for API manufacturing (ICH guidelines).

Responsibilities

• Lead development and optimization of synthetic routes for intermediates and APIs, focusing on yield, purity, and scalability.
• Design and execute experiments to improve manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Investigate and resolve process-related issues during development and scale-up.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for monitoring intermediates and APIs.
• Conduct impurity profiling to identify and control impurities.
• Perform process safety assessments and ensure EHS regulatory compliance.

Skills

Lead projects

Problem solving

Data interpretation

Clear communication

Team leadership

Education

PhD in Organic/Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GC

MS

NMR

XRPD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized pharmaceutical company renowned for its commitment to therapeutic advancement, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Pharmaceutical Chemist specializing in Process Development. This role is essential for optimizing and scaling up chemical synthesis routes for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) to ensure efficient, safe, and cost-effective manufacturing. Working within our client's advanced facilities in Sandton, Gauteng , you will lead projects focused on process optimization, impurity profiling, and the development of robust manufacturing procedures. The position operates under a hybrid work model, allowing for essential laboratory work and collaborative sessions in the office, balanced with focused remote work. Your expertise will directly contribute to bringing new and existing medicines to patients worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of synthetic routes for pharmaceutical intermediates and APIs, focusing on yield, purity, and scalability.
• Design and execute experiments to improve existing manufacturing processes, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Investigate and resolve process-related issues encountered during development, scale-up, and commercial manufacturing.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for monitoring process intermediates and APIs.
• Conduct thorough impurity profiling studies to identify, characterize, and control process-related impurities.
• Perform process safety assessments and ensure compliance with EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) regulations.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, process descriptions, and documentation for regulatory submissions (e.g., DMF, IND, NDA).
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including analytical development, manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs.
• Mentor junior chemists and contribute to the scientific and technical development of the process chemistry team.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in synthetic organic chemistry, process technology, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in pharmaceutical process chemistry, with a strong track record in API process development and scale-up.
• Expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and purification techniques.
• Hands-on experience with process optimization tools and techniques (e.g., Design of Experiments - DoE).
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, MS, NMR, and XRPD.
• In-depth understanding of regulatory requirements for API manufacturing (e.g., ICH Q7, Q11).
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and data interpretation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Proven ability to lead projects and work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.
• Must be able to work effectively in a hybrid setting and be located within commuting distance of Sandton, Gauteng .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, performance bonuses, and opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement. The hybrid work arrangement supports a healthy work-life balance. You will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and cutting-edge technologies. Our client fosters an innovative and collaborative culture where scientific excellence is valued and rewarded. This role provides a significant opportunity to impact the development and manufacturing of critical medicines in Sandton, Gauteng .