Senior Process Development Chemist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement savings plan

Professional development

Based in Stellenbosch facility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Process Development Chemist for its Stellenbosch R&D team. The role focuses on developing, optimizing, and scaling up chemical processes for high-value products in a modern lab and pilot plant.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, and process chemistry with proven industrial experience. This position offers a challenging, collaborative environment in Stellenbosch.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemistry (Organic or Physical) or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development chemistry within the chemical industry.
• Strong understanding of organic reaction mechanisms and kinetics.
• Proven experience with process scale-up, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Proficiency with analytical instrumentation (HPLC, GC, NMR, Titrators) for process monitoring.
• Experience with Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and safety protocols.
• Familiarity with process modeling and simulation software is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with experience in technical report writing.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize synthetic routes and reaction conditions for new and existing chemical products.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety measures for scaled-up reactions.
• Perform pilot plant trials to validate laboratory processes and gather data for scale-up.
• Investigate and resolve process-related issues, ensuring consistent product quality and yield.
• Utilize analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC, NMR, KF) to monitor reaction progress and assess product purity.
• Collaborate with engineers to design and implement process equipment and control strategies.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new processes and process modifications.
• Contribute to technology transfer from R&D to manufacturing.
• Stay current with advancements in process chemistry, chemical engineering, and green chemistry principles.
• Maintain detailed records of experimental work, process data, and reports.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up troubleshooting

Safety & PHAs

Analytical reasoning

Written communication

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

HPLC

GC

NMR

Titrators

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals, is seeking an experienced Senior Process Development Chemist to join their esteemed research and development team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This critical role focuses on developing, optimizing, and scaling up chemical processes for the efficient and safe production of high-value chemical products. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical engineering principles, organic synthesis, and analytical chemistry, with a proven track record of successful process development in an industrial setting. You will work in a modern, well-equipped laboratory and pilot plant facility, collaborating closely with R&D scientists, engineers, and production teams. This is an exceptional opportunity to significantly impact product development and manufacturing efficiency in a growing and dynamic company. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, safety, and continuous improvement, providing excellent career progression opportunities for its employees. Your expertise will be vital in translating laboratory discoveries into robust, scalable manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize synthetic routes and reaction conditions for new and existing chemical products.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement safety measures for scaled-up reactions.
• Perform pilot plant trials to validate laboratory processes and gather data for scale-up.
• Investigate and resolve process-related issues, ensuring consistent product quality and yield.
• Utilize analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC, NMR, KF) to monitor reaction progress and assess product purity.
• Collaborate with engineers to design and implement process equipment and control strategies.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new processes and process modifications.
• Contribute to technology transfer from R&D to manufacturing.
• Stay current with advancements in process chemistry, chemical engineering, and green chemistry principles.
• Maintain detailed records of experimental work, process data, and reports.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Chemistry (Organic or Physical) or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process development chemistry within the chemical industry.
• Strong understanding of organic reaction mechanisms and kinetics.
• Proven experience with process scale-up, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Proficiency with analytical instrumentation (HPLC, GC, NMR, Titrators) for process monitoring.
• Experience with Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and safety protocols.
• Familiarity with process modeling and simulation software is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with experience in technical report writing.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and manage multiple projects.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and retirement savings plans.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning are provided, including support for attending industry conferences and advanced training.
• This role is based at our advanced facility in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , offering a stimulating research environment.
• Our client is committed to employee well-being and provides a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration.