Lead Chemical Process R&D Scientist

Roche Switzerland bridges the gap between pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Important research and development functions are located here. For our long-term client,

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG in Basel, we are looking for a

Lead Chemical Process R&D Scientist

In this function you will lead chemical process R&D activities to deliver safe, scalable, efficient and sustainable processes as well as drug substance material for projects in clinical development, with a focus on late stage development, leveraging internal and external CDMO capabilities.

• Lead Internal & External Chemical Process R&D activities:
  Direct chemical process research and development work, managing an internal team of 1–5 process chemists and/or leading external activities at contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs)
• Oversee end-to-end process chemistry workflows, including synthetic route scouting, process optimization, scale-up, and support for supply activities.
• Coordinate Cross-Functional Delivery:
  Synchronize internal laboratory efforts with CDMO timelines to guarantee the timely, safe, and cost-effective production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and advanced intermediates
• Ensure Quality & Compliance:
  Deliver the target compounds following internal quality processes and according to specifications, safety standards and sustainability objectives.

• PhD or Postdoctoral background in Synthetic Organic Chemistry.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical chemical process R&D, with demonstrated expertise in late-stage process development and scale-up.
• Leadership & Project Management:
  Proven track record of leading, mentoring, and driving project deliverables within internal process chemistry teams.
• CDMO Management:
  Direct experience managing external chemical development, technology transfers, and manufacturing activities at CDMOs.
• Technical & Software Proficiency:
  High proficiency with standard office applications alongside core chemistry tools, including chemical drawing tools, literature/patent search engines, Design of Experiments (DoE) applications, analytical software, and project planning platforms. Proficiency in the use of kinetic modeling or scale-up simulation software is a plus.
• Professional fluency in spoken and written English is required

• Familiarity or prior experience working within Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environments is an advantage, though not strictly required.
• Professional working proficiency or fluency in German is a plus.

• An opportunity to work in one of the world's most important pharmaceutical companies
• Modern campus with plenty of green spaces and meeting areas
• Central location in Basel
• Varied job profile
• Further training opportunities through temptraining
• Working in a dynamic and motivated team

Basel-Stadt Research GMP Synthetic Organic Chemistry R&D CDMO DoE Scientist