Section Head of Process Chemistry

The Position

Due to internal progression, our Synthetic Molecules Technical Development department has an opportunity for a Section Head of Process Chemistry & Catalysis.

As the Section Head Process Chemistry, you will be working in the department “Process Chemistry & Catalysis” within the department "Synthetic Molecules Technical Development”.

Synthetic Molecules Technical Development (PTDC) brings a broad range of experience across drug substance and drug product, and collaborates closely with key partners in Research and Early Development, commercial manufacturing and other technical functions. PTDC is responsible for technical development of our synthetic molecules pipeline (including oligonucleotides and peptides) and manufacture of drug substance and drug product for clinical studies across our synthetic molecules manufacturing network.

As section Head in Process Chemistry you lead a group of scientists and associates responsible for end-to-end process chemistry, from the design of new synthetic routes to the development of safe, robust and sustainable commercial manufacturing processes of synthetic drug substances (including oligonucleotides and peptides) throughout all clinical phases until transfer to commercial manufacturing. You will be reporting to the Head of Process Chemistry & Catalysis.

You will have the following responsibilities :

Leading a Process Chemistry Section with approx. 15 co-workers (scientists and associates) according to the Roche Leadership Commitments.

Supporting and delivering a portfolio of projects with focus on tides (oligonucleotides and peptides) by assigning resources, setting priorities and providing sound judgment for decision making and problem solving.

Fostering the development of cost efficient and robust processes and process understanding by using state of the art science and methodologies to enable lean manufacturing.

Providing scientific and technical input to projects teams and further develop your section towards a lean and agile organization.

Supporting Roche’s regulatory submissions by applying principles of Quality by Design to drug substance development and corresponding documentation while ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory requirements.

Actively supporting the departmental digitalization and M&S efforts as well as contributing in defining the department’s future technical and regulatory strategies and concepts

What you b ring :

A PhD degree in organic chemistry with at least 10 years’ experience in process chemistry for synthetic molecules (including small molecule, oligonucleotides and peptides), spanning the entire range from route design, process development, process characterization and process transfer to commercial manufacturing. This is demonstrated by publications in scientific literature, patents and authoring of regulatory documents.

Excellent people leadership skills and a strong ability to act visionary and be the catalyst, mentor and architect for teams and members. Profound experience as matrix leader of complex projects.

Excellent knowledge in oligonucleotide and peptide chemistry and extensive experience in working with external collaboration partners in Europe, US and Asia

Comprehensive understanding of sustainable process development and how to implement green chemistry concepts into manufacturing processes and excellent understanding of scientific methodology, principles of data integrity and good documentation practices

Excellent communication skills and a strong ability of building and maintaining constructive and effective relationships with stakeholders as well as strong collaboration and team building skills