Process Chemist

My client is looking for an experienced Synthetic Organic Chemist to join their production team. Previous experience working with large-scale reactors is highly desirable for this role. If you don't meet every requirement I strongly recommend you still apply - especially if you meet several of the Advanced Experience targets.

Responsibilities

• Support the scale-up of research and development projects from laboratory concepts through to full production manufacturing
• Operate distillation equipment and support small-scale fine chemical manufacturing activities
• Provide technical troubleshooting and problem-solving support to Operations, Quality Control, and Research teams
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and ensure compliance with quality systems, SOPs, and operational procedures
• Record and manage production and development data within ERP and associated systems
• Maintain safe working practices when handling hazardous chemicals and process equipment
• Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, and R&D teams to support operational and development objectives

Equipment experience desired

• Distillation Units
• Pilot-Scale and Production-Scale Reactors
• Gas Chromatography (GC)
• High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
• Karl Fischer (KF)

Skills

• Process development and scale-up
• Distillation
• Technical troubleshooting and problem solving
• Strong understanding of chemical process safety
• Ability to work effectively in a busy manufacturing environment
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• High attention to detail and documentation standards
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word
• Ability to work flexibly under changing priorities and deliver results in a timely manner

Demonstrated Experience

• Successfully supported the scale-up of chemical processes from laboratory or pilot scale into manufacturing environments
• Operated distillation units and process equipment safely and effectively within a chemical production setting
• Worked with hazardous chemicals while maintaining high safety and compliance standards
• Contributed to the manufacture, optimisation, or development of fine chemicals, speciality chemicals, pharmaceutical intermediates, or related products
• Organometallic chemistry experience would be advantageous
• Applied scientific and technical expertise to resolve production, process, or quality-related issues
• Maintained accurate technical records, batch documentation, and quality system requirements
• Worked collaboratively with different functions to achieve project and operational objectives
• Demonstrated the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a timely manner

Advanced Experience

• Led or played a significant role in process development, optimisation, or technology transfer projects that resulted in improved manufacturing performance
• Demonstrated expertise in organic chemistry within industrial manufacturing environments
• Experience operating or scaling processes using production-scale reactors (typically 5L+ and above)
• Resolved complex process, yield, quality, or operational issues through structured troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Contributed to the safe introduction of new processes, products, or manufacturing technologies into production
• Supported continuous improvement initiatives that improved efficiency, quality, throughput, or process robustness
• Operated within fine chemical, speciality chemical, or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments and demonstrated an understanding of the associated technical and regulatory challenges
• Applied analytical techniques such as GC, HPLC, FTIR, KF, and titrations to support process development, manufacturing, or troubleshooting activities
• Provided technical leadership, mentoring, or specialist expertise to colleagues and cross-functional teams
• Holds a PhD, MChem, or equivalent advanced background in Chemistry, with demonstrated application of organic chemistry principles in an industrial setting