Senior Process Chemist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement contributions

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Chemist for our pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA. The role focuses on developing, optimizing, and scaling synthesis routes for APIs and intermediates while ensuring GMP compliance, safety, and cost efficiency.

You will lead process improvement, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and drive technology transfer from lab to pilot plant and commercial scale, collaborating with analytical teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or MS required in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in process chemistry or chemical development in pharma or fine chemicals.
• Experience with process optimization, scale-up, and tech transfer.
• GMP familiarity and quality systems in manufacturing.
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and decision-making abilities.
• Proven project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for technical reporting.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up synthesis routes for APIs and key intermediates.
• Design and conduct experiments to improve yield, purity, safety, and cost.
• Investigate and resolve process-related manufacturing issues.
• Perform process hazard analyses and implement safety measures.
• Characterize kinetics, thermodynamics, and impurity profiles of processes.
• Oversee pilot plant runs and support transfer to commercial manufacturing.
• Collaborate with analytical chemists to develop and validate in-process controls and testing methods.
• Ensure GMP compliance and regulatory guidelines.
• Author technical reports, process descriptions, and validation protocols.
• Stay current with process chemistry and manufacturing tech.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Technology transfer

GMP knowledge

Analytical techniques

Problem solving

Project management

Communication

Risk assessment

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry / Process Chemistry / Chemical Engineering

Tools

Process simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic pharmaceutical manufacturing company, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Chemist to join their team in Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA . This is a crucial hands-on role focused on the development, optimization, and scale-up of chemical processes for the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates. You will play a vital role in ensuring the efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of our manufacturing processes, adhering to strict quality and regulatory standards. This position requires a strong background in organic chemistry, process development, and chemical engineering principles, along with excellent problem-solving skills. As a Senior Process Chemist, you will lead process improvement initiatives, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and contribute to the successful transfer of processes from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial scale. We are looking for a dedicated professional who thrives in a manufacturing environment and is committed to driving innovation and excellence in chemical process development. Your work will directly impact the supply of essential medicines.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up synthetic routes for APIs and key intermediates.
• Design and conduct experiments to improve process yield, purity, safety, and reduce costs.
• Investigate and resolve process-related issues encountered during manufacturing.
• Perform process hazard analyses and implement appropriate safety measures.
• Characterize reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and impurity profiles of chemical processes.
• Oversee pilot plant runs and support technology transfer to commercial manufacturing sites.
• Collaborate with analytical chemists to develop and validate analytical methods for in-process controls and final product testing.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other relevant regulatory guidelines.
• Author technical reports, process descriptions, and validation protocols.
• Stay current with advancements in process chemistry and manufacturing technologies.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process chemistry or chemical development within the pharmaceutical or fine chemical industry.
• Proven experience in process optimization, scale-up, and technology transfer.
• Strong knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and analytical techniques.
• Familiarity with GMP regulations and quality systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and team collaboration.
• Experience with process safety evaluations and risk assessments.
• Proficiency in process simulation software is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement contributions, and life insurance.
• This role is based at our advanced manufacturing facility in Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA .
• We provide opportunities for continuous professional development through training programs, workshops, and industry conferences.
• Paid time off includes annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
• You will work in a collaborative environment with a team dedicated to ensuring the high-quality production of essential pharmaceutical products.