Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist - Process Development

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 207,000 - 317,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension contributions

Professional development

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist in East London, Eastern Cape, to design, optimize, and scale up synthetic routes for complex molecules, APIs, and intermediates. You will work across GLP/GMP-compliant settings, ensuring robust processes and cost-effective production for diverse client projects.

You will mentor junior chemists, document results, and implement green chemistry practices, while collaborating with clients and internal teams on timelines and objectives.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Organic Chemistry with relevant experience.
• 5+ years in synthetic organic chemistry focusing on process development and scale-up.
• Proven ability to design and execute complex syntheses.
• Experience with flow chemistry or continuous manufacturing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop robust, scalable synthetic routes for target molecules.
• Execute multi-step organic syntheses in the lab, optimize conditions.
• Perform hazard assessments and implement safety for scale-up.
• Characterize compounds using NMR, MS, HPLC, GC.
• Optimize parameters to maximize yield and purity.
• Mentor junior chemists and document findings clearly.

Skills

Synthesis design

Scale-up expertise

Process development

GLP/GMP knowledge

Analytical techniques

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

Tools

NMR

MS

HPLC

GC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic contract research organization (CRO) specializing in chemical synthesis and process development, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Synthetic Organic Chemist. This role is critical for designing, optimizing, and scaling up synthetic routes for complex organic molecules, intermediates, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). You will play a key role in enabling the efficient and cost-effective production of novel compounds for our diverse client base. The position requires a strong theoretical foundation coupled with hands-on laboratory expertise. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects and advance your career in a challenging and rewarding environment. The role is based in East London, Eastern Cape, ZA , offering a collaborative and resource-rich setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop robust, scalable, and cost-effective synthetic routes for target molecules.
• Execute multi-step organic syntheses in the laboratory, troubleshooting and optimizing reaction conditions.
• Perform process hazard assessments and implement safety protocols for scale-up operations.
• Characterize synthesized compounds using various analytical techniques (NMR, MS, HPLC, GC).
• Optimize reaction parameters (temperature, pressure, catalysts, solvents) to maximize yield and purity.
• Investigate and implement green chemistry principles to minimize environmental impact.
• Scale up synthetic processes from laboratory bench to pilot plant or manufacturing scale.
• Collaborate with clients and internal project teams to define project objectives and timelines.
• Author comprehensive technical reports, process descriptions, and analytical documentation.
• Ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) where applicable.
• Stay abreast of new synthetic methodologies, reagents, and process technologies.
• Mentor junior chemists and provide technical guidance on synthetic challenges.
• Manage laboratory resources and inventory effectively.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Organic Chemistry or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in synthetic organic chemistry, with a strong emphasis on process development and scale-up.
• Proven ability to design and execute complex organic syntheses efficiently.
• Expertise in reaction optimization, troubleshooting, and scale-up methodologies.
• Proficiency in modern analytical techniques for compound characterization (NMR, MS, HPLC, GC).
• Knowledge of process safety principles and hazard analysis is essential.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements (e.g., GMP) is desirable.
• Strong understanding of green chemistry principles.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document findings clearly.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience with flow chemistry or continuous manufacturing is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive hourly wage and benefits package, including access to medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• We provide opportunities for professional development through training programs and access to scientific literature.
• Our client fosters a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• We offer generous paid time off and support a healthy work-life balance.