Job Introduction
Plant Operations Scientist/Senior Plant Operations Scientist
Pharmaron is excited to offer an opportunity for a Plant Operations Scientist/Senior Plant Operations Scientist to join our dynamic Operations team at our state-of-the-art GMP multi-purpose Pilot Plant facility in Hoddesdon. This pivotal role supports the scale-up and manufacture of small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients, contributing directly to the successful delivery of client projects.
If you have a passion for process chemistry, thrive in a hands-on technical setting, and are looking to develop or advance your career in the pharmaceutical industry, we'd love to hear from you!
We're hiring one person and welcome applications from graduates through to experienced scientists. Appointment at Plant Operations Scientist or Senior Plant Operations Scientist level will depend on your relevant experience and ability to work independently.
You'll work closely with process chemists, typically in pairs: the process chemist brings the chemistry, and you bring the pilot-plant expertise needed to execute it.
At Pharmaron We Offer
- Vibrant and dynamic employment - we are a highly specialised, growth company operating in a critical sector of the economy - our future is strong and exciting!
- Opportunities to develop your skills and yourself - our rapid growth brings greater opportunities for you to learn and grow faster!
- A great team where we all support each other - enjoy your work - after all you spend about a third of your time here!
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Support the scale-up and execution of small-molecule synthesis in the pilot plant.
- Plan practical work with process chemists and colleagues in plant operations.
- Operate, maintain, and develop expertise in pilot-scale equipment, including 20-1000 L reactors, filters, dryers, flow chemistry and chromatography equipment, in a GMP environment.
- Accurately follow batch documentation and SOPs for chemical manufacturing processes.
- Record process data, carry out tasks, and complete documentation in a compliant manner.
- Meticulously prepare and clean the plant and equipment to eliminate the potential for contamination.
- Work collaboratively with process and analytical chemists, engineers, and QA teams to ensure safe and compliant operations.
- Troubleshoot practical problems and stay calm when experimental processes do not go to plan.
- Build your knowledge of pilot-plant techniques, equipment and scale-up principles, taking on more independent work as you develop.
Senior Plant Operations Scientist (in Addition to the Above)
- Demonstrate mastery of the core skills needed to operate and scale up chemical processes in pilot-scale equipment in a GMP environment.
- Take ownership of equipment and independently lead investigations or solve facility issues of moderate complexity.
- Provide mentoring and training for junior staff in facility best practices.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in safety, process efficiency, and documentation.
- Support the transfer of technology from R&D to GMP production and help resolve scale-up challenges.
Requirements
- An MSc or BSc in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific or technical discipline that provides a relevant chemistry background, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
- Previous experience in a GMP or regulated production, laboratory or pilot-plant environment is desirable for the Scientist role and essential for the Senior role.
- Strong awareness of health and safety in a chemical processing setting.
- A practical approach to problem-solving and a willingness to learn.
- The ability to plan work carefully and pay close attention to documentation.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work closely with process chemists and plant colleagues.
- A calm, considered approach when processes need troubleshooting.
- The ability to adapt to evolving priorities.
You do not need previous industry experience to join at graduate level. For a Senior Scientist appointment, you'll need relevant experience that demonstrates independent problem-solving, equipment ownership and an understanding of process scale-up.
This role focuses on wet chemistry and small-molecule synthesis, rather than formulation, dispensing or sieving. We also welcome interest from process chemists who want to move into pilot-plant operations.
Our Company
"We are a dynamic, fast-growing company, with an enviable reputation for leading edge science, offering contract research services to some of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, solving what were believed to be unsolvable scientific challenges".
We believe in our ability to relentlessly push forward the boundaries of scientific excellence, delivering solutions for our clients, always operating ethically and with integrity. We take pride in our professionalism and commitment to always deliver our very best work.
Pharmaron acquired the Hoddesdon campus, consisting of several purpose-built scientific and administrative buildings together with a purpose-built conference area in February 2017. The research building has more than 5,000 m2 of premier R&D space and houses established Process Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and Drug Discovery teams. In addition, a Formulation Development team was also recently established. The Hoddesdon site has state-of-the-art Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standard facilities for the development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), Formulation Development (FD), and Process Chemistry (PC).
- We offer a competitive salary and a progressive and comprehensive suite of employee benefits.
- We offer state of the art working environment on-site.
- We offer the opportunity for growth and development and will support funding for relevant training and development programmes.
Why Should You Apply?
- Whether you're a recent graduate or a professional in pharmaceutical scale-up, this is an opportunity to make a real impact in a highly scientific and regulated environment, demonstrate your capabilities and grow with the department.
- Build and shape your career in an environment that sets and commits to the highest standards of Chemistry.
- Be part of a team who support each other, embrace and solve technical challenges and put excellence at the heart of all that we do.
Pharmaron is a premier R&D service company supporting the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities having established diverse drug R&D service capabilities, ranging from synthetic, medicinal, and analytical chemistry, biology, DMPK, pharmacology, drug safety assessment, radiochemistry and isotopically labelled metabolism, chemical & pharmaceutical development to clinical development. With operations in China, US and UK staffed by over 29,000 employees, Pharmaron has an excellent track record in the delivery of R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.