Senior Process Chemist - Pharmaceutical Synthesis

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Paid leave

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Chemist to join its API development team in Upington, Northern Cape. The role focuses on developing, optimizing, and scaling synthetic routes for pharma intermediates and APIs within a GMP environment.

You will collaborate with research, analytical, and engineering teams to move discoveries from lab scale to commercial production, delivering safe and robust manufacturing processes at our Upington site.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a related field.
• Proven ability to work in GMP environments and scale up processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize synthetic routes for APIs and key intermediates with scalability, safety, and cost considerations.
• Conduct laboratory experiments to study kinetics and identify critical process parameters.
• Scale up processes from bench to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Perform process hazard analyses and implement safety measures.
• Develop robust analytical methods for in-process controls and final product release testing.
• Prepare process descriptions, batch records, and validation protocols.
• Ensure GMP compliance and regulatory alignment across activities.
• Collaborate with engineers on equipment selection and process implementation.
• Mentor junior chemists and foster continuous improvement.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Process safety

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. or M.S. in Organic Chemistry/Process Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, is seeking a dedicated Senior Process Chemist to join their Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) development team in Upington, Northern Cape . This crucial role involves developing, optimizing, and scaling up synthetic routes for pharmaceutical intermediates and APIs, ensuring robust, efficient, and safe manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in synthetic organic chemistry and practical experience in process chemistry, particularly within a GMP-regulated environment. You will collaborate closely with research chemists, analytical chemists, and engineers to transition new chemical entities from laboratory discovery to commercial production. This position offers a stimulating challenge and the opportunity to significantly impact the production of vital medicines from our facility in Upington .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize synthetic routes for APIs and key intermediates, focusing on scalability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct laboratory experiments to investigate reaction kinetics, identify critical process parameters, and troubleshoot synthetic challenges.
• Scale up chemical processes from laboratory bench to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing scales.
• Perform process hazard analyses and implement safety measures to ensure safe operations.
• Develop robust analytical methods for in-process controls and final product release testing in collaboration with the analytical team.
• Write comprehensive process descriptions, batch records, and validation protocols.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on equipment selection and process implementation.
• Mentor junior chemists and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and scientific excellence.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process chemistry within the pharmaceutical or fine chemical industry.
• Proven track record in developing and scaling up complex organic syntheses.
• Strong understanding of reaction mechanisms, synthetic methodology, and purification techniques.
• Experience working within a GMP environment and familiarity with regulatory guidelines.
• Proficiency in process safety assessment and risk mitigation strategies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document work clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment at our Upington site.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and paid leave.
• Opportunities for professional development through training programs, conferences, and further education.
• Access to modern laboratory facilities and pilot plant equipment.
• A collaborative and safety-conscious work environment.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing pharmaceutical company.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates moving to the Upington area.
• Join our client and play a key role in bringing life-saving medicines to patients.