Lead Chemical Process R&D Scientist

Lead Chemical Process Development for Small Molecule Drug Substances

Uncover insights that could revolutionize the future of medicine and drive breakthroughs in patient care. Join a global pharmaceutical organisation 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.

Key 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.

Essential Qualifications

• 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.
• Right to work in this location or hold an EU passport.

Desirable Skills

• 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.