Lead Process Development Chemist - Pharmaceuticals

Our client, a cutting-edge pharmaceutical company, is looking for an accomplished Lead Process Development Chemist to spearhead their drug substance development initiatives in the beautiful city of Cape Town
. This is a critical leadership position responsible for guiding the scale-up and optimization of synthetic routes for novel active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The role demands a deep scientific understanding, excellent leadership qualities, and a commitment to advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing. You will be instrumental in translating laboratory discoveries into robust, scalable, and cost-effective manufacturing processes. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to life-saving medicines from a world-renowned location in South Africa.

• Lead and mentor a team of process chemists and engineers in the development and optimization of API synthesis routes.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate and improve reaction conditions, purification strategies, and polymorph control.
• Develop scalable and robust manufacturing processes that meet regulatory requirements (e.g., cGMP).
• Oversee technology transfer activities from R&D to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot process issues encountered during development, scale-up, and manufacturing.
• Author and review technical documents, including development reports, validation protocols, and regulatory filings.
• Collaborate closely with analytical development, formulation, and manufacturing departments.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and industry trends in pharmaceutical process development.
• Manage project timelines and resources effectively to meet development milestones.
• Ensure a strong focus on safety and environmental compliance in all laboratory and pilot plant operations.

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical process development, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Proven track record in developing and scaling up complex synthetic routes for APIs.
• In-depth knowledge of cGMP, ICH guidelines, and regulatory submission processes.
• Expertise in various synthetic techniques, catalysis, and purification methods.
• Experience with process analytical technology (PAT) and Quality by Design (QbD) principles is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a data-driven approach to development.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
• Located in or willing to relocate to Cape Town.

• This role comes with a highly competitive salary and an attractive bonus structure, alongside comprehensive medical aid and retirement planning benefits.
• Our client invests in its employees' growth, offering significant opportunities for professional development, conference attendance, and advanced training.
• Being based in vibrant Cape Town , the position also supports a healthy work-life balance.
• Additional benefits include subsidised on-site amenities and ample scope for career progression within a globally respected pharmaceutical innovator.