Senior Process Chemist: Scale-Up & Optimization Leader

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension fund

Substantial annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Chemist for our client in Polokwane, Limpopo. The role focuses on scaling up and optimizing chemical synthesis for APIs, ensuring robust, safe processes for commercial production.

The candidate will develop analytical methods, mentor chemists, and collaborate across engineering, QA, and R&D teams in a state-of-the-art manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in process development and scale-up in pharma or fine chemicals.
• Strong expertise in synthetic organic chemistry and reaction mechanisms.
• Experience with process safety assessments and hazard mitigation.
• Proficiency with analytical techniques used for process monitoring (HPLC, GC, KF).
• Familiarity with cGMP regulations and quality systems in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize synthetic routes for APIs with focus on yield, cost, and impurity profiling.
• Lead scale-up from laboratory to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Conduct PHAs and implement safety controls.
• Develop and validate analytical methods (HPLC, GC, KF) to monitor progress and quality.
• Investigate process deviations and ensure adherence to manufacturing procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering to implement process improvements and new equipment.
• Prepare Batch Manufacturing Records (BMRs) and technical reports.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor junior chemists and provide technical guidance.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

Reaction mechanisms

Project management

Communication (written and verbal)

DoE methodologies

Process safety

cGMP knowledge

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry / Process Chemistry / Chemical Engineering

Master's degree in Organic Chemistry / Process Chemistry / Chemical Engineering

Tools

HPLC

GC

KF

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Chemist for our client in Polokwane, Limpopo. The role focuses on scaling up and optimizing chemical synthesis for APIs, ensuring robust, safe processes for commercial production.

The candidate will develop analytical methods, mentor chemists, and collaborate across engineering, QA, and R&D teams in a state-of-the-art manufacturing environment.