Lead Chemical Process R&D Scientist

Looking to uncover insights that could revolutionize the future of medicine and drive breakthroughs in patient care?

Proclinical is supporting a global pharmaceutical organisation seeking an experienced Process Chemist to lead chemical process development activities for small molecule drug substances in clinical development. This role focuses on late-stage process development, scale-up, technical transfer, manufacturing support, and CDMO management. You will lead cross-functional teams and external partners to deliver safe, scalable, efficient, and sustainable manufacturing processes.

Please note that to be considered for this role you must have the right to work in this location or hold an EU passport.

Responsibilities:

• Lead internal and external process chemistry activities across clinical development programmes.
• Manage and mentor small teams of process chemists and associates in a matrix environment.
• Oversee route scouting, process optimisation, scale-up and technology transfer activities.
• Coordinate activities with CDMOs to ensure timely delivery of APIs and key intermediates.
• Drive manufacturing readiness and material supply for clinical studies.
• Ensure all activities meet quality, safety, compliance and sustainability standards.
• Collaborate closely with technical, analytical, regulatory and manufacturing stakeholders.

Key Skills and Requirements:

Essential

• PhD (or equivalent research experience) in Synthetic Organic Chemistry.
• 5+ years' pharmaceutical industry experience in chemical process development.
• Proven expertise in late-stage process optimisation, scale-up and manufacturing support.
• Experience leading process chemistry projects and technical teams.
• Strong track record managing external development and manufacturing partners (CDMOs).
• Experience with technology transfer activities and outsourced manufacturing.
• Proficiency with chemistry software, scientific literature searching and process development tools.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Experience working within GMP-regulated environments.
• Familiarity with kinetic modelling or scale-up simulation software.
• German language skills.

Additional Information

• Basel-based position with limited international travel.
• Occasional visits to manufacturing partners in Europe or Asia.
• Opportunity to work on late-stage clinical assets with significant technical visibility.
• Collaborative environment combining internal development and external manufacturing networks.