Research and Development Executive

Job Description

Job Purpose:

Hands-on experience in R&D, pilot-scale and plant-scale manufacturing batches, with a strong understanding of organic chemistry, reaction optimization, process development, scale-up, purification, analytical interpretation, and GMP manufacturing practices.
The role involves developing and optimizing chemical processes from laboratory scale through pilot/plant scale, troubleshooting process issues, improving yield and purity, and supporting technology transfer and manufacturing activities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Process & Product Development
Develop, optimize, and establish robust chemical processes for pharmaceutical, API, specialty chemical, and fine chemical products.
Perform reaction route scouting, process optimization, and laboratory experimentation.
Optimize critical process parameters such as temperature, time, reagent/solvent quantity, concentration, pH, addition rate, agitation, and reaction conditions.
Evaluate process efficiency with respect to yield, purity, selectivity, cycle time, solvent consumption, and scalability.
Identify and troubleshoot process-related issues during development and scale-up.

2. R&D and Scale-Up

Activities:

Plan and execute laboratory R&D batches and process optimization experiments.
Demonstrate successful transition from gram scale to kilogram/pilot scale and plant scale.
Participate in pilot and commercial manufacturing batches and provide technical support during execution.
Monitor process performance during scale-up and identify potential scale-dependent issues.
Support process validation, process improvement, and troubleshooting activities.

3. Purification & Isolation:
Hands-on experience in various purification and isolation techniques, including:
Crystallization / precipitation, Fractional / vacuum distillation, Column chromatography, Impurity purge and control strategies
The candidate should be able to select and optimize suitable purification technology based on product properties, impurity profile, yield, scalability, and commercial feasibility.

Skills Required
Familiarity with standard organic reactions and laboratory practices.
Experience in GMP manufacturing environments, GMP documentation and manufacturing practices.
Good understanding of purification and basic analytical interpretation.
Good understanding of HPLC, GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, IR, UV and melting point data.
Interpret ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra for structure confirmation and impurity identification.
Keen attention to detail and eagerness to learn from senior team members.
Ability to work in a collaborative team environment and handle multiple lab tasks.
Basic proficiency in using MS Office for documentation and report preparation
Follow laboratory SOPs, EHS requirements, and chemical handling procedures
Adhere to safety guidelines and responsible disposal of chemical waste.

Technical/Functional Proficiency Required
Proven track record of successful scale-up from lab to pilot/plant.
Strong problem-solving mindset and ability to work in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.

Educational Qualifications
M.Sc. in Organic / Industrial Chemistry or related field with strong synthetic lab exposure.

Experience Level (If applicable)
3–4 years of experience in chemical R&D or process development.