Senior Process Chemist - API Manufacturing

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, Eastern Cape is seeking a Senior Process Chemist to optimize API synthesis, scale processes from lab to manufacture, and ensure GMP compliance in a busy production environment.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in Organic/Process Chemistry with 4+ years in pharma process chemistry, strong organic synthesis knowledge, and a proactive problem-solving mindset.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in process chemistry within pharma or fine chemicals, focusing on API manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of organic synthesis principles and reaction mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Optimize existing API synthesis processes to improve yield, cost, and safety.
• Develop and scale-up new synthetic routes from lab to pilot to commercial scale.
• Conduct PHAs and implement safety measures.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues related to synthesis and purification.
• Ensure changes comply with GMP and are well-documented.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and QA for process transfer and validation.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for in-process controls and API release.
• Maintain accurate batch records and process documentation.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Process optimization

Scale-up

GMP knowledge

Process safety

Education

Master's in Organic Chemistry

PhD in Process Chemistry

Tools

Analytical techniques

Crystallization development

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), is seeking an experienced Senior Process Chemist to join their manufacturing operations in **East London, Eastern Cape**. This role is pivotal in optimizing and troubleshooting chemical synthesis routes for APIs, ensuring efficient, safe, and scalable production processes. You will be responsible for process improvement initiatives, scale-up activities, and ensuring adherence to stringent quality and safety standards within a GMP environment. This position in **East London** offers a significant opportunity to contribute to the production of essential medicines and advance your career in pharmaceutical process chemistry within a well-established company. We are looking for a hands-on chemist with a strong understanding of organic synthesis, process safety, and GMP manufacturing principles. The ideal candidate will be adept at problem-solving and driving continuous improvement in chemical manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize existing chemical synthesis processes for APIs to improve yield, reduce costs, and enhance safety.
• Develop and scale‑up new synthetic routes from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing scale.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement appropriate safety measures.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues related to chemical synthesis and purification.
• Ensure all process changes and improvements are documented and comply with GMP regulations.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and quality assurance teams for seamless process transfer and validation.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for in-process controls and final API release.
• Maintain accurate batch records and process documentation.
• Stay current with advancements in synthetic organic chemistry and process engineering relevant to API manufacturing.
• Manage project timelines and resources effectively for process development and improvement initiatives.
• Conduct impurity profiling and develop strategies for impurity control.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in process chemistry within the pharmaceutical or fine chemical industry, with a focus on API manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of organic synthesis principles and reaction mechanisms.
• Proven experience in process scale‑up and optimization.
• Knowledge of GMP regulations and pharmaceutical manufacturing principles.
• Experience with process safety assessments and hazard identification.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and instrumentation relevant to organic synthesis and analysis.
• Experience with crystallization development and solid form characterization is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund, and paid time off. This role provides excellent opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a stable manufacturing environment in **East London**. We are committed to providing a safe, high-quality workplace and supporting our employees' growth. The company invests in training and development to ensure its workforce remains at the forefront of chemical manufacturing technologies. Further details on the compensation and benefits will be provided during the interview.