Crystallisation Development Scientist​/Particle Scientist

Location Job Type

Permanent

Salary commensurate with demonstrated skills, knowledge and competencies

13 th Feb 2026

ASAP

Sai Life Sciences is the fastest growing Indian Contract Research & Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CRDMO). It works with innovator biotech and pharmaceutical companies globally to accelerate their discovery, development and commercialisation of small molecules for a healthier tomorrow.

With more than 3000 staff globally, R&D facilities in Boston, Manchester & Hyderabad, and large-scale commercial manufacturing in Bidar, India, Sai today works with 18 of the top 25 pharma companies globally, as well as many leading smaller biotechs.

In 2020, the company opened its centre of excellence for process chemistry and analytical development at the Alderley Park Science Park near Manchester. The site today has >60 multi-disciplinary scientists (chemists, analysts and engineers).

On December 18, 2024, Sai Life Sciences was listed in the Indian Stock Exchange (Ticker: SAILIFE) following an IPO that was oversubscribed by >10 times.

Non-GMP manufacture of kg quantities of intermediates and APIs is currently possible within our bespoke Scale-up laboratory facility. A GMP Kilo-lab facility was brought online in 2023, capable of producing kg quantities of GMP API suitable for early phase clinical studies. Developed processes are frequently transferred to Sai’s manufacturing sites in India for further scale-up when required.

• You will join a team that identifies, develops and optimises synthetic routes to APIs, supporting both early and late phase development.
• The successful candidate will have a strong technical and practical grounding in crystallisation design and control of physical properties.
• The role requires a detailed knowledge of the fundamental science and particle properties underpinning particle formation, solid-phase relations, particle characterisation, product isolation and drying.
• For those more experienced candidates, you will have demonstrated expertise in the successful transfer of processes developed in the laboratory to pilot and/or manufacturing scale as part of a team responsible for developing robust, high yielding processes that control quality and are readily scaled up.
• You will be responsible for delivery of phase appropriate particle formation, isolation and drying processes for relevant projects at Manchester.
• You will deliver projects at all phases of development as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers applying particle science and particle engineering concepts in tandem with the application of solid-state screening, scale-up and PAT technology.
• For more experienced candidates, there will be the opportunity to take a more global role providing support to Hyderabad projects and assisting with training initiatives.
• BSc, BEng, MSc, PhD or Post-doctoral Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related technical discipline. We welcome applications from candidates with significant relevant industrial experience, as well as high-calibre graduates or PhDs with strong academic foundations and experience from a relevant research project.
• Expertise in crystallisation development, isolation and drying to support route and process development of small molecule APIs and intermediates, gained through roles in either the pharma industry or related CDMO.
• Expertise in the application of available techniques to assess the physical properties of materials and their potential effects on chemical processes.
• Proven experience working safely with hazardous chemicals in a laboratory environment.

• Providing expert input to design, optimise and troubleshoot crystallisation, isolation and drying processes to deliver robust and reliable processes for pilot scale and manufacturing plant.
• Working within multi-functional project teams operating to tight deadlines.
• Involvement in particle sciences related change implementation programs at the Manchester site to ensure alignment with similar groups at our India sites and to embed the understanding and design of crystallisation, isolation and drying in…