Process Chemist

My client is looking for an experienced Synthetic Organic Chemist to join their production team. Previous experience working with large-scale reactors is highly desirable for this role. If you don't meet every requirement I strongly recommend you still apply - especially if you meet several of the Advanced Experience targets.

Responsibilities

Support the scale-up of research and development projects from laboratory concepts through to full production manufacturing
Operate distillation equipment and support small-scale fine chemical manufacturing activities
Provide technical troubleshooting and problem-solving support to Operations, Quality Control, and Research teams
Maintain accurate technical documentation and ensure compliance with quality systems, SOPs, and operational procedures
Record and manage production and development data within ERP and associated systems
Maintain safe working practices when handling hazardous chemicals and process equipment
Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, and R&D teams to support operational and development objectives

Equipment experience desired

Distillation Units
Pilot-Scale and Production-Scale Reactors
Gas Chromatography (GC)
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
Karl Fischer (KF)
Skills

Process development and scale-up
Distillation
Technical troubleshooting and problem solving
Strong understanding of chemical process safety
Ability to work effectively in a busy manufacturing environment
Strong organisational and time management skills
High attention to detail and documentation standards
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word
Ability to work flexibly under changing priorities and deliver results in a timely manner

Demonstrated Experience

Successfully supported the scale-up of chemical processes from laboratory or pilot scale into manufacturing environments
Operated distillation units and process equipment safely and effectively within a chemical production setting
Worked with hazardous chemicals while maintaining high safety and compliance standards
Contributed to the manufacture, optimisation, or development of fine chemicals, speciality chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates, or related products
Organometallic chemistry experience would be advantageous
Applied scientific and technical expertise to resolve production, process, or quality-related issues
Maintained accurate technical records, batch documentation, and quality system requirements
Worked collaboratively with different functions to achieve project and operational objectives
Demonstrated the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a timely manner

Advanced Experience

Led or played a significant role in process development, optimisation, or technology transfer projects that resulted in improved manufacturing performance
Demonstrated expertise in organic chemistry within industrial manufacturing environments
Experience operating or scaling processes using production-scale reactors (typically 5L+ and above)
Resolved complex process, yield, quality, or operational issues through structured troubleshooting and root cause analysis
Contributed to the safe introduction of new processes, products, or manufacturing technologies into production
Supported continuous improvement initiatives that improved efficiency, quality, throughput, or process robustness
Operated within fine chemical, speciality chemical, or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments and demonstrated an understanding of the associated technical and regulatory challenges
Applied analytical techniques such as GC, HPLC, FTIR, KF, and titrations to support process development, manufacturing, or troubleshooting activities
Provided technical leadership, mentoring, or specialist expertise to colleagues and cross-functional teams
Holds a PhD, MChem, or equivalent advanced background in Chemistry, with demonstrated application of organic chemistry principles in an industrial setting