Senior / Principal Chemical Process R&D Scientist

Senior / Principal Chemical Process R&D Scientist - 7131

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

As a Senior / Principal Chemical Process R&D Scientist, you will provide scientific and technical leadership in late-stage chemical process development. You will lead process chemists and project teams, drive complex R&D activities, and collaborate with international Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) to advance chemical processes towards manufacturing readiness.

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:

• Leading late-stage chemical process R&D and development activities, ensuring effective execution of project objectives and deliverables.
• Providing scientific and technical leadership to process chemists and cross-functional project teams.
• Coordinating and managing project activities with international CDMO partners based in Germany and APAC.
• Driving process development projects and ensuring effective collaboration between internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Applying advanced chemical knowledge and scientific problem-solving skills to address complex process development challenges.
• Conducting scientific literature searches and utilizing appropriate modelling tools to support research and process development activities.
• Supporting project alignment, technical discussions, and stakeholder collaboration across international teams.
• Travelling internationally approximately four times per year to support project activities and collaboration with external partners.

Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD or postdoctoral experience in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Extensive experience in R&D and late-stage chemical process development.
• Proven experience leading process chemists, scientific teams, and project teams.
• Strong scientific and technical understanding of chemical processes and process development.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent English is essential.
• Willingness to travel internationally approximately four times per year.
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.

Nice to Have:

• Experience working in a GMP environment; this is an advantage but not mandatory.
• Familiarity with scientific literature databases and chemical process modelling tools.
• Knowledge of German and/or Chinese/Japanese to facilitate collaboration with international CDMO partners.
• Experience working with international external manufacturing partners and cross-functional R&D teams.