Senior Process Chemist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Pension

Training & development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Chemist to lead development and scale-up of synthetic routes for APIs and intermediates in a pharmaceutical setting. You will drive process optimization, troubleshoot complex reactions, and ensure technology transfer to manufacturing while maintaining cGMP and safety standards.

The role requires a PhD or MSc with 5+ years in process chemistry, strong organic synthesis knowledge, and experience with HPLC/GC/NMR analytics.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in process chemistry, preferably pharma or fine chemicals.
• Strong understanding of organic synthesis, kinetics, thermodynamics, and purification.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up synthetic processes for APIs and intermediates.
• Conduct process hazard assessments and implement safety controls.
• Troubleshoot issues with reactions, equipment, and parameters.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and manufacturing for tech transfer.
• Write process descriptions, batch records, and validation protocols.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, safety, and environmental regulations.

Skills

MSc/PhD

5+ years

Organic synthesis

Kinetics

Thermodynamics

Purification

Process scale-up

Tech transfer

cGMP

Analytical techniques

Team player

Education

MSc/PhD in Chemistry or related

Tools

HPLC

GC

NMR

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a highly experienced Senior Process Chemist to join their manufacturing and development team in Nelspruit . This role is critical for optimizing chemical processes to ensure safe, efficient, and scalable production of pharmaceutical intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). You will leverage your expertise in synthetic chemistry and process engineering to troubleshoot existing processes, develop new manufacturing routes, and ensure compliance with stringent quality and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up synthetic chemical processes for the manufacturing of APIs and intermediates.
• Conduct thorough process hazard assessments and implement safety controls.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to chemical reactions, equipment, and process parameters.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure smooth technology transfer.
• Write detailed process descriptions, batch records, and validation protocols.
• Ensure all activities comply with cGMP, safety, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process chemistry, preferably within the pharmaceutical or fine chemical industry.
• Strong understanding of organic synthesis, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and purification techniques.
• Experience with process scale-up, technology transfer, and cGMP manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC, NMR) for process monitoring and control.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a team.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, disability, and life insurance coverage.
• Pension fund contributions and retirement planning support.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional development.
• A collaborative and safety-focused work culture within a growing organization.