Development Chemist

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As a Development Chemist you will be responsible for developing the synthesis and manufacture of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and intermediates for emerging drug candidates and established commercial cGMP products.

This is a key customer‑facing role, working in partnership with our customers to successfully deliver products, commitment and scientific rigor. You will have strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present scientific results clearly and concisely.

Creative thinking and hands‑on experience in organic synthesis is essential as well as familiarity with analytical and characterisation methods used in process development. You should be comfortable interpreting analytical data (NMR, HPLC, GC, FTIR, DSC).

As Sterling is a contract development and manufacturing organisation, project assignments will be varied and will always include hands‑on laboratory work. Strong scientific reasoning, problem‑solving skills and flexibility are required to manage complex challenges.

• Develop and optimise synthetic organic processes.
• Design and carry out laboratory‑scale experimental chemistry work programmes.
• Effectively navigate the current literature through online platforms to solve complex chemistry issues.
• Define critical process parameters to support regulatory filings.
• Prepare reports and present scientific results to customers.
• Provide technical support and oversight of developed processes during manufacture.
• Provide shift cover for cGMP processes on occasion.
• Work collaboratively with other project team members, including Analytical, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Purchasing functions.
• Work closely with Hazard Evaluation and Safety Departments to ensure processes are safe at laboratory and manufacturing scales.
• Prepare cGMP documentation to support transfer of processes to plant.
• Maintain current and accurate laboratory records that document all experimental results.
• Comply with all health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Embody our company values: be reliable, be caring, be transparent and be willing.

• PhD in synthetic organic chemistry, or a master’s or bachelor’s degree with relevant synthetic chemistry experience.
• Good working knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry and methods.
• Strong, reliable and adaptable work ethic.
• Good oral and written communication skills, to provide project updates and reports for internal and customer meetings/teleconferences.
• Ability to effectively set priorities on projects and efficiently manage time to meet contract goals.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including bonus, pension scheme, private healthcare, Engagement Hub, cycle‑to‑work scheme, death‑in‑service coverage, on‑site health and wellbeing support (including medical consultations and physiotherapy), 24/7 employee assistance programme, employee referral scheme, sports and social club and opportunities for training and further career development.

Sterling Pharma Solutions is a global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) with more than 50 years of experience in developing and manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). This is complemented by Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) research, development and clinical manufacturing services.

We are a fast‑growing, dynamic business with facilities in the UK, US and Europe, where we employ talented and passionate people who support our customers in bringing new medicines to market, improving and saving the lives of patients.

Our culture and our way of working is what really sets us apart as a business; we aim to deliver an exceptional experience to our customers and our employees. You can expect to be part of a supportive team, all working towards a shared goal: to deliver first‑class science and service to our customers every day.

If you have the necessary skills and experience to join our team, please apply online. For any queries or if you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact

Sterling Pharma Solutions is an equal‑opportunity employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.