Senior Research Chemist - Process Development

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Healthcare and retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, South Africa, is seeking an experienced Senior Research Chemist specialized in Process Development to lead scalable API and intermediate synthesis, driving robust, cost-effective routes from lab to pilot scale.

The role emphasizes process safety, analytical method development (HPLC, GC, NMR, Karl Fischer), and collaboration with engineering and manufacturing to ensure successful tech transfer, regulatory support, and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development within the pharmaceutical or fine chemical industry.
• Proven expertise in synthetic route design, optimization, and scale-up.
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering principles and safety protocols.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, NMR, and Karl Fischer titration.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and scale-up synthesis routes for APIs and intermediates.
• Conduct process hazard analyses and implement safe operating procedures.
• Develop robust analytical methods to monitor reaction progress and product quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process-related issues encountered during scale-up and manufacturing.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure successful technology transfer.
• Author comprehensive process development reports and contribute to regulatory filings.

Skills

Process development

Scale-up

Hazard analysis

Team collaboration

Education

MSc or PhD in Organic/Process Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GC

NMR

Karl Fischer titration

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Research Chemist specializing in Process Development to join their team in Randburg . This critical role focuses on developing robust, scalable, and cost-effective synthetic processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and key intermediates. You will lead process optimization efforts, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, and ensure the smooth transition of chemical processes from the laboratory to pilot scale and beyond. The ideal candidate will possess strong synthetic chemistry skills, a deep understanding of process safety, and the ability to work effectively in a hybrid R&D environment, contributing to the efficient production of vital chemical compounds.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and scale-up chemical synthesis routes for APIs and intermediates.
• Conduct process hazard analyses and implement safe operating procedures.
• Develop robust analytical methods to monitor reaction progress and product quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process-related issues encountered during scale-up and manufacturing.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure successful technology transfer.
• Author comprehensive process development reports and contribute to regulatory filings.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development within the pharmaceutical or fine chemical industry.
• Proven expertise in synthetic route design, optimization, and scale-up.
• Strong understanding of chemical engineering principles and safety protocols.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, NMR, and Karl Fischer titration.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a hybrid team setting.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentive programs.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Support for continuous learning and professional development.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work on challenging and impactful chemical process development projects.