Lead Chemical Process R&D Scientist

Roche Switzerland bridges the gap between pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Important research and development functions are located here. For our long-term client, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG in Basel, we are looking for a

Background:

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.

Tasks & 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.

Must Haves:

• 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. 

What you will be offered:

• An opportunity to work in one of the world's most important pharmaceutical companies
• Modern campus with plenty of green spaces and meeting areas
• Central location in Basel
• Varied job profile
• Further training opportunities through temptraining
• Working in a dynamic and motivated team

If you are interested please send your application documents addressed to Ms Marianne Buser.

Basel-Stadt Research GMP Synthetic Organic Chemistry R&D CDMO DoE Scientist