Process Development Chemist

Job Description

We are seeking a Process Development Chemist to join our Global R&D team.

In this lab-based role, you will play a critical part in developing, optimising, and scaling up chemical processes for new and existing products across our business units. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will bring new synthetic routes from the lab to the pilot plant and into full-scale manufacturing ensuring safe, cost-effective, and robust processes.

This position will report to the Global Process Development Manager and is part of a highly collaborative global function focused on innovation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement in chemical manufacturing.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop and implement scalable chemical processes for new products within each Business Unit.
• Carry out scale-up from laboratory to pilot plant, and eventually to full plant scale.
• Understand the requirements of the SUA system for New Product Introductions
• Be recognised within the company as an expert in chemical process and scale-up.
• Conduct literature research to identify suitable synthetic methods and evaluate them in the lab.
• Optimise and improve existing product chemistries and processes to meet business needs for cost, quality, and throughput.
• Understand and apply process costing principles.
• Apply working knowledge of thermal chemistry assessment.
• Characterise and record process technology and develop understanding of the chemistry involved in each of our processes.
• Timely resolution of process-related problems through chemical understanding.

Requirements

• PhD in synthetic organic chemistry or an exceptional graduate with 2–5 years of practical industrial experience in process and product development within a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Good understanding of reaction mechanisms, kinetics and basic chemical reaction principles.
• Proven experience in route searching, development, and scale-up of chemical manufacturing processes (preferably within the specialty or fine chemicals sector).
• High level of synthetic chemistry skill with a creative and methodical approach.
• Team-oriented with strong communication skills and confidence interacting at all levels of the business.
• Experience in running plant trials and acting as the sole technical leader during scale-up.