Senior Process Chemist – Scale-Up & Optimization (Bonus)

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health benefits

Retirement contributions

Bonuses based on performance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24, a dynamic chemical manufacturing company in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is seeking a Senior Process Chemist. You will lead scale-up from lab to pilot and manufacturing, optimize processes, and troubleshoot production issues to ensure safe, cost-effective operations.

The role requires a PhD or MSc in Organic Chemistry or Chemical Engineering with 6+ years of experience in process chemistry, strong knowledge of organic synthesis, and hands-on experience in pilot plant and manufacturing

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive experience in process chemistry, with scale-up and optimization.
• Hands-on experience in laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing settings.
• Strong knowledge of organic synthesis, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and unit operations.
• Experience with process safety assessment and risk management.
• Experience with analytical techniques for in-process control and product characterization.
• Strong problem-solving and collaborative skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to lead projects and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of chemical synthesis routes for scale-up to pilot and manufacturing quantities.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate process parameters, identify critical control points, and improve yields and purity.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing process issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety improvements to ensure safe operations.
• Develop and implement process validation strategies and documentation.
• Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless process transfer.
• Author and review batch records, technical reports, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Stay abreast of new technologies and methodologies in process chemistry and chemical engineering.
• Mentor junior chemists and engineers, providing technical expertise and guidance.

Skills

Process chemistry

Scale-up

Troubleshooting

Pilot plant experience

Analytical techniques

Safety awareness

Communication

Education

Advanced degree in Organic Chemistry / Chemical Engineering

Job description

Placements24, a dynamic chemical manufacturing company in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is seeking a Senior Process Chemist. You will lead scale-up from lab to pilot and manufacturing, optimize processes, and troubleshoot production issues to ensure safe, cost-effective operations.

The role requires a PhD or MSc in Organic Chemistry or Chemical Engineering with 6+ years of experience in process chemistry, strong knowledge of organic synthesis, and hands-on experience in pilot plant and manufacturing