Senior Process Chemist - API Development

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Chemist to lead development and optimization of API manufacturing processes at our Mahikeng, North West R&D facility. The role blends hands-on laboratory work with data-driven remote analysis, focusing on robust, scalable synthetic routes in a hybrid work setting.

The candidate should have a PhD in Organic Chemistry or related field, 5+ years in pharmaceutical process chemistry, and strong task execution, problem solving, and cross-functional collaboration

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in process chemistry within the pharmaceutical or fine chemical industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and scale-up of chemical reactions.
• Strong understanding of process safety principles and risk assessment methodologies.
• Experience with process analytical technology (PAT) and Design of Experiments (DoE) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize synthetic routes for APIs, focusing on yield, purity, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Perform route scouting and feasibility studies for new API manufacturing processes.
• Scale up chemical processes from laboratory to pilot plant and potentially to commercial scale.
• Identify and mitigate process-related safety hazards through rigorous risk assessments.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues encountered during process development and scale-up.

Skills

Process chemistry

Scale-up operations

Synthetic route design

DoE

PAT

Analytical skills

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GC

NMR

MS

DoE software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical company, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Chemist to drive the development and optimization of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing processes. This vital role will be based in our advanced R&D facility located in Mahikeng, North West . The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, process chemistry, and scale-up of chemical reactions. You will be responsible for designing robust, safe, and efficient synthetic routes, troubleshooting process issues, and ensuring that processes are suitable for large-scale manufacturing while adhering to stringent quality and regulatory standards. This hybrid position offers a stimulating blend of hands‑on laboratory work and remote data analysis, contributing to the successful delivery of critical drug substances. Join our dedicated team in Mahikeng, North West , and contribute to the advancement of pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize synthetic routes for APIs, focusing on yield, purity, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Perform route scouting and feasibility studies for new API manufacturing processes.
• Scale up chemical processes from laboratory to pilot plant and potentially to commercial scale.
• Identify and mitigate process-related safety hazards through rigorous risk assessments.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues encountered during process development and scale‑up.
• Characterize intermediates and final APIs using various analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC, NMR, MS).
• Write detailed process descriptions, development reports, and support regulatory filings (e.g., IND, NDA).
• Collaborate effectively with analytical chemists, formulation scientists, and manufacturing personnel.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Mentor junior chemists and provide technical guidance.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in process chemistry within the pharmaceutical or fine chemical industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and scale-up of chemical reactions.
• Strong understanding of process safety principles and risk assessment methodologies.
• Experience with process analytical technology (PAT) and Design of Experiments (DoE) is desirable.
• Proficiency in common analytical techniques for characterization.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid team environment.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for API manufacturing (e.g., ICH guidelines) is essential.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including health, retirement, and life insurance, along with performance-based bonuses. Employees enjoy access to modern laboratories in Mahikeng, North West , extensive opportunities for professional growth and training, and a collaborative research environment. The hybrid work model supports work-life balance and encourages innovation. Join a team committed to advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing and improving global health.