Lead Chemical Process R&D Scientist

Lead Chemical Process R&D Scientist - 7131

We are currently looking for a Lead Chemical Process R&D Scientist for a 12-month contract based in Basel area, Switzerland, with planned extension(s).

In this function you will lead chemical process R&D activities to deliver safe, scalable, efficient and sustainable processes as well as drug substance material for projects in clinical development, with a focus on late stage development, leveraging internal and external CDMO capabilities.

The ideal candidate is a PhD/PostDoc-level organic chemist with 5+ years of pharmaceutical R&D experience specializing in late-stage process optimization and scale-up. They bring demonstrated leadership in guiding internal project teams and managing CDMO operations, technical transfers, and material supply. Fluent in English, they marry outstanding scientific acumen with strong organizational skills. They are an articulate, collaborative communicator who effectively motivates teams to deliver safe, scalable, and sustainable chemical processes.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to apply your expertise in chemistry and process development, lead scientific teams, and work with international partners across Germany and APAC.

This is a hybrid role based in Basel, Switzerland, with up to 2 days of home office per week. 10% Travel will be required.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead Internal & External Chemical Process R&D activities: Direct chemical process research and development work, managing an internal team of 1–5 process chemists and/or leading external activities at contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs).
• Oversee end-to-end process chemistry workflows, including synthetic route scouting, process optimization, scale-up, and support for supply activities.
• Coordinate Cross-Functional Delivery: Synchronize internal laboratory efforts with CDMO timelines to guarantee the timely, safe, and cost-effective production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and advanced intermediates
• Ensure Quality & Compliance: Deliver the target compounds following internal quality processes and according to specifications, safety standards and sustainability objectives.

Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD or Postdoctoral background in Synthetic Organic Chemistry.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical chemical process R&D, with demonstrated expertise in late-stage process development and scale-up.
• Leadership & Project Management: Proven track record of leading, mentoring, and driving project deliverables within internal process chemistry teams.
• CDMO Management: Direct experience managing external chemical development, technology transfers, and manufacturing activities at CDMOs.
• Technical & Software Proficiency: High proficiency with standard office applications alongside core chemistry tools, including chemical drawing tools, literature/patent search engines, Design of Experiments (DoE) applications, analytical software, and project planning platforms. Proficiency in the use of kinetic modeling or scale-up simulation software is a plus.
• Professional fluency in spoken and written English is required.

Nice to Have:

• Familiarity or prior experience working within Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environments is an advantage, though not strictly required.
• Professional working proficiency or fluency in German is a plus.