Senior Process Chemist - API Development

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career growth

Relocation assistance

PTO (paid time off)

Access to advanced labs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Chemist to lead API synthesis route development and optimization at a state-of-the-art Paarl facility. You will design robust, scalable chemical processes for new drug candidates and ensure smooth transfer from discovery to pilot plant and commercial scale.

The role requires a PhD or equivalent, 5+ years in pharmaceutical process development, and strong DoE and cGMP knowledge to drive safe, cost-effective manufacturing in a collaborative R&D environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or Process Chemistry, or a Master's with relevant experience.
• 5+ years in pharmaceutical process development and synthetic organic chemistry.
• Proven track record in developing and scaling up multi-step syntheses.
• Experience with DoE, process optimization, and safety evaluations.
• Familiarity with cGMP and ICH guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop and optimize synthetic routes for APIs, focusing on yield, purity, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Perform process hazard assessments and implement appropriate safety measures for chemical reactions.
• Conduct reaction mechanism studies and kinetic analyses to understand and control critical process parameters.
• Develop and optimize crystallization and isolation procedures for APIs to achieve desired physical properties.
• Scale-up chemical processes from laboratory bench to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Collaborate with analytical chemists to develop in-process controls and final product specifications.

Skills

Process chemistry

DoE

cGMP

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

MS in Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Process Chemist to lead the development and optimization of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) synthesis routes at their state-of-the-art facility in Paarl . This critical role involves designing robust, scalable, and cost-effective chemical processes for new drug candidates. You will work closely with discovery chemistry, analytical development, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful transfer of processes from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial scale. This position offers a challenging opportunity to shape the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing through innovative process chemistry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop and optimize synthetic routes for APIs, focusing on yield, purity, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Perform process hazard assessments and implement appropriate safety measures for chemical reactions.
• Conduct reaction mechanism studies and kinetic analyses to understand and control critical process parameters.
• Develop and optimize crystallization and isolation procedures for APIs to achieve desired physical properties.
• Scale-up chemical processes from laboratory bench to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Collaborate with analytical chemists to develop in-process controls and final product specifications.

Requirements

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or Process Chemistry, or a Master's degree with significant relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical process development, with a strong understanding of synthetic organic chemistry.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and scaling up complex multi-step syntheses.
• Expertise in reaction optimization techniques, Design of Experiments (DoE), and process safety evaluations.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for API manufacturing (e.g., cGMP, ICH guidelines).
• Strong problem-solving abilities and excellent communication skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates relocating to Paarl .
• Access to advanced synthetic chemistry laboratories and pilot plant facilities.
• A dynamic and collaborative research and development environment.