Development Chemist

Location:

Dudley, Northumberland, UK

Department:
Research and Development

Reference: VN1255

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 and as such 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 having familiarity with analytical and characterisation methods used to develop organic synthesis. You should be comfortable with the interpretation of analytical data e.g. NMR, HPLC, GC, FTIR and DSC.

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

• Developing and optimising synthetic organic processes.
• Designing and carrying out laboratory scale experimental chemistry work programmes.
• Effectively navigating the current literature through online platforms to solve complex chemistry issues.
• Defining critical process parameters to support regulatory filings.
• Preparing reports and presenting scientific results to customers.
• Providing technical support and oversight of developed processes during manufacture.
• On occasion, providing shift cover for cGMP processes.
• Working collaboratively with other project team members including Analytical, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Purchasing business functions.
• Working closely with Hazard Evaluation and Safety Departments to ensure that all processes are safe at both laboratory and manufacturing scales.
• Preparing cGMP documentation to support transfer of processes to plant.
• Maintaining current and accurate laboratory records that document all experimental results.
• Complying with all health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Embody our company values: be reliable, be caring, be transparent and be willing.

• PhD degree 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.
• An excellent customer service focus.
• Good oral and written communication skills, to provide project updates and reports for internal and customer meetings/teleconference calls.
• 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 as well as opportunities for training and further career development.

Sterling Pharma Solutions is a global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) with more than 50 years’ 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.

Be caring. Be transparent. Be willing. Be reliable.

Final date to receive applications: 19 Feb 2026