Senior Process Chemist

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Process Chemist to join their innovative team in Milton Keynes , contributing to the development and optimisation of chemical manufacturing processes. This role is critical for scaling up synthetic routes from laboratory bench to pilot plant and eventually commercial production, ensuring safety, efficiency, and quality. You will be responsible for troubleshooting process challenges, implementing process improvements, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled chemist to make a significant impact on the manufacturing lifecycle of new chemical entities within a supportive and technically advanced organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimise synthetic routes for key intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
• Scale-up chemical processes from laboratory to pilot plant and manufacturing scales, addressing engineering and safety considerations.
• Conduct process hazard analyses (PHAs) and implement risk mitigation strategies.
• Characterise reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and impurity profiles to ensure robust process control.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues encountered during process development and manufacturing campaigns.
• Prepare detailed process descriptions, batch records, and validation reports.

Requirements

• PhD or MSc in Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in process chemistry, preferably within the pharmaceutical or fine chemical industry.
• Strong understanding of synthetic organic chemistry principles and reaction mechanisms.
• Experience with process safety evaluation, including HAZOP studies and risk assessments.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as HPLC, GC, NMR, and MS for process monitoring and characterisation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus scheme.
• Comprehensive private medical insurance and dental cover.
• Company pension scheme and life assurance.
• Support for professional development, including training courses and chartership.
• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities in Milton Keynes and opportunities for career progression.