Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry - Late Stage Development

Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry - Late-Stage Development

Location:

Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire

Department:
Process Chemistry

Pharmaron is a global CRO helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 25,000 employees worldwide across 28 locations in the US, UK and China, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services. We’re proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported over 780 discovery projects, 1,000+ CMC programmes, and 1,000+ clinical trials across all phases.

Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules to biologics and gene therapies, and we work with more than 3,000 global customers. To learn more, visit

Help shape the successful development and commercialisation of complex medicines

We are seeking an accomplished Principal Scientist to join our late-stage Process Chemistry team in Hoddesdon.

This is a senior scientific leadership position with responsibility for the development, scale-up and technology transfer of robust drug substance manufacturing processes. Working within a fast-paced CRO/CDMO environment, you will lead technically complex client projects and help progress small-molecule APIs from clinical development towards regulatory submission and commercial manufacture.

You will work closely with clients and multidisciplinary colleagues across different functions, locations and time zones. As a recognised scientific authority, you will influence project strategy, provide technical direction and ensure that programmes are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest scientific and regulatory standards.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced process chemistry professional who combines deep technical expertise with strong client-facing, project leadership and people development capabilities.

As a Principal Scientist, you will:

• Provide scientific leadership for the design, planning and execution of late-stage process development programmes for small-molecule APIs.
• Lead technically complex client projects from initial engagement through process optimisation, technology transfer, scale-up and regulatory submission support.
• Develop robust, safe, scalable and commercially viable manufacturing processes using Quality by Design and sound scientific risk-management principles.
• Apply expert knowledge of process design, control strategies, process characterisation and critical process parameters.
• Lead the transfer of processes into pilot plant, GMP and commercial manufacturing environments.
• Identify and resolve complex technical challenges through rigorous scientific investigation and data-driven decision-making.
• Work collaboratively with Analytical Chemistry, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory and other specialist functions to align project activities, deliverables and timelines.
• Act as a senior scientific contact for clients, chairing technical meetings, presenting complex data and providing clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• Build trusted client relationships and ensure that scientific conclusions, project risks and development strategies are communicated effectively.
• Contribute to project proposals, technical assessments, resource planning and the development of client programmes.
• Drive innovation and evaluate new technologies, methodologies and working practices that improve process robustness, safety, sustainability and efficiency.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching and mentorship to scientists across the department.
• Support the continued development of scientific capabilities, technical standards and best practice within the Process Chemistry team.

You will have:

• A PhD in Chemistry or a closely related discipline, or an MSc/BSc supported by equivalent relevant industrial experience.
• Extensive industrial experience in chemical process development, typically gained over 15 or more years, with significant expertise in late-stage development and manufacturing.
• A strong track record of developing and scaling small-molecule API processes within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO or CDMO sector.
• Demonstrable experience of working in a client-facing CRO/CDMO environment, with accountability for scientific strategy, project delivery and client communication.
• Advanced expertise in process design, Quality by Design, process characterisation, technology transfer and scale-up to commercial manufacture.
• A strong understanding of the scientific,…