Senior Pharmaceutical Process Chemist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Hybrid work model

Paid time off

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Process Chemist in Paarl, Western Cape. The role focuses on development, optimization, and scale-up of API synthesis with GMP compliance. It combines lab, pilot plant work with data analysis and documentation in a hybrid setup.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or MSc in chemistry and at least 6 years in pharmaceutical process chemistry, with strong organic synthesis expertise and leadership capabilities for cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Chemistry-related field per requirements.
• 6+ years in pharmaceutical process chemistry or API development.
• Strong knowledge of organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and catalysis.
• Experience with scale-up and troubleshooting chemical reactions.
• Familiarity with API characterization techniques (HPLC, GC, NMR, MS, XRPD).
• Understanding GMP, safety, and environmental regulations; data analysis focus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize APIs for large-scale manufacturing.
• Conduct lab experiments to explore new synthetic methods.
• Perform process characterization, including kinetics and impurity profiling.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for processes and intermediates.
• Scale up processes from bench to pilot plant and commercial scale.
• Troubleshoot issues and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare process development reports, batch records, and validation docs.
• Collaborate with R&D, analytical, engineering, and manufacturing teams.

Skills

Process scale-up

DoE

PAT

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Leadership

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

MSc in Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GC

NMR

MS

XRPD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable pharmaceutical manufacturing company located in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking an experienced Senior Pharmaceutical Process Chemist to join their expanding operations. This vital role focuses on the development, optimization, and scale-up of chemical synthesis processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). You will ensure that manufacturing processes are safe, efficient, cost-effective, and compliant with all regulatory standards. This hybrid position involves significant laboratory and pilot plant work, balanced with remote data analysis and documentation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in organic synthesis and process chemistry, with a proven track record in the pharmaceutical industry. This is an excellent opportunity to lead critical chemical development projects and contribute to the supply of essential medicines.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize synthetic routes for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) suitable for large-scale manufacturing.
• Conduct laboratory experiments to explore new synthetic methodologies and improve existing processes.
• Perform process characterization studies, including reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and impurity profiling.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for monitoring process intermediates and APIs.
• Scale up chemical processes from laboratory bench to pilot plant and commercial scale, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot process-related issues, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Author detailed process development reports, batch records, and validation documentation.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), environmental regulations, and safety protocols.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, analytical, engineering, and manufacturing.
• Evaluate and implement new process technologies and equipment.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in pharmaceutical process chemistry and API development.
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and catalysis.
• Proven experience in process scale-up and troubleshooting of chemical reactions.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques relevant to API characterization (e.g., HPLC, GC, NMR, MS, XRPD).
• Understanding of GMP, process safety, and environmental regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail and data analysis.
• Strong project management capabilities and the ability to lead technical teams.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE) and Process Analytical Technology (PAT) is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, bonus potential, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and life insurance.
• The hybrid work model allows for flexibility.
• Generous paid time off, including annual leave and sick leave, is provided.
• Opportunities for professional growth through training, conferences, and further education are available.
• The company promotes a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Employees benefit from a focus on safety and quality.