Senior Pharmaceutical Development Chemist

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Relocation Assistance

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Development Chemist to lead API development from early discovery through late-stage clinical development at our Soweto R&D center. The role focuses on designing scalable synthetic routes, process optimization, and ensuring quality and regulatory readiness.

The ideal candidate has a PhD in Organic or Process Chemistry with 5+ years in pharmaceutical development, strong analytical skills, and a track record of scalable process implementation in a

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize synthetic routes for APIs for NCEs.
• Develop scalable, cost-effective manufacturing processes for APIs for clinical trials and commercial supply.
• Execute laboratory-scale syntheses and process validation studies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve synthesis and process issues.
• Characterize APIs using analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC, GC, XRPD, DSC).
• Perform impurity profiling and develop impurity control strategies.
• Conduct forced degradation studies and elucidate degradation pathways.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemists, analytical chemists, formulation scientists, and manufacturing teams.
• Ensure development activities comply with cGMP and safety guidelines.
• Prepare technical reports and process documentation for regulatory submissions.
• Stay updated with advances in synthetic chemistry and process development.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

Route scouting

Analytical techniques

Impurity identification

Process development

Problem solving

Communication skills

Leadership

Hazardous reactions

Education

PhD in Organic/Process Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

HPLC

GC

XRPD

DSC

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering and developing innovative medicines to treat debilitating diseases. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Pharmaceutical Development Chemist to join our drug substance development team, working a hybrid schedule from our R&D center in Soweto, Gauteng . This role is essential for the chemical development and optimization of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from early discovery through to late-stage clinical development. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, process chemistry, and analytical techniques, with a proven track record in scaling up chemical processes. You will be responsible for designing and executing synthetic routes, troubleshooting process issues, and ensuring the efficient and safe production of high-quality APIs. This position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to the development of novel therapeutics and advance your career in a dynamic research environment. Our state-of-the-art facilities in Soweto, Gauteng support cutting-edge chemical development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize synthetic routes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for new chemical entities (NCEs).
• Develop robust, scalable, and cost-effective manufacturing processes for APIs suitable for clinical trials and commercial supply.
• Execute laboratory-scale syntheses and process validation studies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve chemical synthesis and process-related issues.
• Characterize APIs using a variety of analytical techniques (e.g., NMR, MS, HPLC, GC, XRPD, DSC).
• Perform impurity profiling and develop strategies for impurity control.
• Conduct forced degradation studies and elucidate degradation pathways.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, analytical chemists, formulation scientists, and manufacturing teams.
• Ensure all development activities comply with cGMP regulations and relevant safety guidelines.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, process descriptions, and documentation for regulatory submissions.
• Stay current with advancements in synthetic chemistry, process development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in pharmaceutical process chemistry and development.
• Proven expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and route scouting for complex molecules.
• Strong understanding of process development principles, scale-up challenges, and cGMP requirements.
• Hands-on experience with analytical techniques for chemical characterization and purity assessment.
• Experience in impurity identification and control strategies.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present scientific data effectively.
• Ability to work independently and lead projects in a collaborative, hybrid R&D setting.
• Experience in hazardous reaction evaluation and process safety is a plus.
• Must be able to work from our R&D center in Soweto, Gauteng on a hybrid schedule.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with your experience and expertise, along with annual performance-based bonuses.
• A comprehensive benefits package includes excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• A robust retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions is available.
• Employees enjoy generous paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Our client is committed to professional growth, providing opportunities for further education, attendance at scientific conferences, and advanced training.
• We offer access to modern laboratories and cutting-edge scientific equipment, fostering an innovative and collaborative work culture.
• A focus on work-life balance is maintained.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for exceptional candidates willing to relocate to Soweto, Gauteng .