Senior Pharmaceutical Development Scientist - API Process Chemistry

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & bonus

Medical, dental & retirement plans

Career advancement opportunities

State-of-the-art facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a leading pharmaceutical R&D facility in Randburg to recruit a Senior Pharmaceutical Development Scientist. You will design, optimize, and scale-up synthetic routes for APIs, lead process development, and drive technology transfer with cross-functional teams.

The role demands a PhD or MSc in Organic/Process Chemistry with 6+ years in API process development, a solid understanding of ICH guidelines and QbD, and hands-on analytical methods like HPLC, NMR, and GC-MS.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's in Organic Chemistry or Process Chemistry.
• Minimum 6 years of API process development and scale-up.
• Strong synthetic organic chemistry, reaction kinetics, and process optimization.
• Familiarity with ICH guidelines and QbD principles.
• Experience with analytical techniques for process monitoring (HPLC, NMR, GC-MS).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize scalable API synthesis routes.
• Characterize processes and impurities; conduct crystallization studies.
• Lead process development, route scouting, and reaction optimization.
• Collaborate with formulation, analytical, and manufacturing teams for tech transfer.
• Prepare process development reports and support regulatory filings.

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry or Process Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Senior Pharmaceutical Development Scientist with expertise in API Process Chemistry to join their advanced research and development center in Randburg . This crucial role focuses on the design, optimization, and scale-up of synthetic routes for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). You will lead projects aimed at developing robust, cost-effective, and environmentally sound manufacturing processes that meet stringent regulatory and quality standards. This position offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned chemist to drive innovation in API development within a cutting-edge pharmaceutical organization committed to bringing novel therapies to patients worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize synthetic routes for the scalable and efficient production of APIs.
• Conduct laboratory experiments, process characterization, and impurity profiling to ensure product quality and consistency.
• Lead process development activities, including route scouting, reaction optimization, and crystallization studies.
• Collaborate with formulation development, analytical development, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless technology transfer.
• Troubleshoot process-related issues and implement solutions to enhance yield, purity, and safety.
• Prepare comprehensive process development reports and contribute to regulatory filings (e.g., CMC sections).

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of industry experience in API process development and scale-up within the pharmaceutical sector.
• Proven expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, reaction kinetics, and process optimization.
• Strong understanding of ICH guidelines , regulatory requirements, and quality by design (QbD) principles.
• Experience with analytical techniques for process monitoring and characterization (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS, NMR).
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, mentor junior scientists, and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement savings plans.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership within R&D.
• Access to state-of-the‑table research facilities and cutting‑edge technology.
• A stimulating work environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence.