Job Introduction
TEAM LEADER, PROCESS CHEMISTRY
Pharmaron is a global CRO helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 21,000 employees worldwide across 23 sites across the UK, US and China, and we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services.
We’re proud of the impact we make—just last year, we supported over 780 discovery projects, 1,000+ CMC programmes, and 1,000+ clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules to gene therapies, and we work with more than 3,000 global customers.
Cramlington Site
Our Cramlington site, just north of Newcastle, has an established history of cGMP manufacturing services for an array of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), ranging from pilot scale to commercial metric ton scale. The Cramlington Site has more than 100 cubic meters reactor commercial capacity and has been inspected and approved by the MHRA, FDA and other regulatory authorities. The site operates from small scale in the laboratory through to large manufacturing scale. It also offers chemistry and analytical development service.
We are looking for:
We’re looking for a highly motivated chemist with proven project and people management experience to join our team as a subject matter expert (SME) in either late-phase API manufacturing or flow chemistry. You will combine deep technical expertise with strong communication skills who will drive innovation and excellence in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
In addition to leading scientific strategy, you’ll be responsible for:
- Managing cross-functional teams, mentoring scientists, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Overseeing project delivery, timelines, and resource allocation.
- Engaging with clients, supporting proposals, and contributing to commercial strategy.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives at the intersection of science, leadership, and client engagement.
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:
- Provide late-stage API understanding to successfully lead and deliver projects, supporting our clients
- Provide direct line management to more junior scientists and support team planning and continuous improvement.
- Design, execute, and interpret experiments to support API and scale-up
- Apply expert-level laboratory techniques and instrumentation to positively impact drug development
- Lead technical aspects of projects, including client-facing responsibilities, scalability assessments, and implementation of Quality by Design (QbD)
- Support cross-functional teams with data-driven decisions and contribute to commercial manufacture across scales
- Balance hands-on lab/manufacturing activities with documentation and reporting (approx. 50/50 split)
- Actively contribute to the development of new technologies and methodologies
- Ensure all work complies with GLP/GMP standards, internal policies, and corporate procedures
Requirements:
- Masters/PhD in organic chemistry or related field preferred
- Evidence of strong academic or industrial laboratory experience with at least 7 years’ experience in such roles
- Evidence of experience in successful application of analytical / physical skill sets to resolve high complexity chemical problems such as those required within the role
- Evidence of ability to effectively contribute to multi-disciplinary scientific teams
- The role requires meticulous attention to detail and for all work to be conducted strictly in accordance with company Policies and Procedures and Standard Operating Procedures.
- The job holder is required to complete all technical, procedural and policy-based training outlined in department SOPs and in department on-boarding materials prior to active participation in related work on active programs. Any relevant prior technical training is actively leveraged as part of onboard training for this senior role.
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.
- 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?
- This is an opportunity for you as a Process Chemistry professional to make a real impact in a highly scientific and regulated environment, demonstrate leadership, ambition and the desire to grow with the department.
- Build and shape your career in an environment that sets and commits to the highest standards.
- To 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.