Senior Process Chemist — Scale-Up & API Production

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Pension

Training & development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Chemist to lead development and scale-up of synthetic routes for APIs and intermediates in a pharmaceutical setting. You will drive process optimization, troubleshoot complex reactions, and ensure technology transfer to manufacturing while maintaining cGMP and safety standards.

The role requires a PhD or MSc with 5+ years in process chemistry, strong organic synthesis knowledge, and experience with HPLC/GC/NMR analytics.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in process chemistry, preferably pharma or fine chemicals.
• Strong understanding of organic synthesis, kinetics, thermodynamics, and purification.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up synthetic processes for APIs and intermediates.
• Conduct process hazard assessments and implement safety controls.
• Troubleshoot issues with reactions, equipment, and parameters.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and manufacturing for tech transfer.
• Write process descriptions, batch records, and validation protocols.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, safety, and environmental regulations.

Skills

MSc/PhD

5+ years

Organic synthesis

Kinetics

Thermodynamics

Purification

Process scale-up

Tech transfer

cGMP

Analytical techniques

Team player

Education

MSc/PhD in Chemistry or related

Tools

HPLC

GC

NMR

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Senior Process Chemist to lead development and scale-up of synthetic routes for APIs and intermediates in a pharmaceutical setting. You will drive process optimization, troubleshoot complex reactions, and ensure technology transfer to manufacturing while maintaining cGMP and safety standards.

The role requires a PhD or MSc with 5+ years in process chemistry, strong organic synthesis knowledge, and experience with HPLC/GC/NMR analytics.