Senior Process Chemist - API Development

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Process Chemist to join their dynamic Research & Development team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is critical for the development, optimization, and scale-up of synthetic routes for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). You will lead projects focused on designing safe, efficient, and cost-effective chemical processes suitable for manufacturing. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of organic synthesis, process chemistry principles, and scale-up challenges, contributing significantly to bringing life-changing medicines from the lab to patients.

• Design and optimize synthetic routes for APIs and key intermediates, focusing on safety, yield, purity, and economic viability.
• Conduct process development studies, including reaction kinetics, parameter optimization, and impurity profiling.
• Lead the scale-up of chemical processes from laboratory to pilot plant and manufacturing scale.
• Develop and validate analytical methods required for in-process controls and final product release.
• Troubleshoot technical issues encountered during process development and scale-up.
• Collaborate closely with medicinal chemists, analytical chemists, engineers, and manufacturing personnel.
• Author detailed process development reports, technical transfer documents, and safety assessments.
• Ensure all activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations.
• Stay abreast of new synthetic methodologies and process technologies.
• Mentor junior process chemists and contribute to a culture of scientific excellence and continuous improvement.

• PhD or Master's degree in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in process chemistry and development within the pharmaceutical or fine chemical industry.
• Extensive hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry, reaction optimization, and mechanistic understanding.
• Proven experience in scaling up chemical processes from bench to pilot or manufacturing scale.
• Strong knowledge of process safety principles and hazard assessment.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC, NMR, MS) for reaction monitoring and product characterization.
• Experience working within a GMP environment.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with experience in technical documentation.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development. This role is based at our cutting-edge facility in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . We provide a stimulating work environment with access to advanced laboratory equipment and resources. Continuous learning and career advancement are strongly supported through training programs and conference participation.