Process Development Scientist

Process Development Scientist
We are supporting a well-established pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals company in their search for a Process Development Scientist to join their growing R&D team. This is a hands-on, laboratory-based role for someone who enjoys solving genuinely novel process challenges as part of a close-knit technical team, rather than following a fixed playbook.
The Role
As a Process Development Scientist, you will design and conduct laboratory-scale process engineering experiments covering operations such as mixing, filtration, heating, cooling, pumping, drying, and separation. You will develop and troubleshoot experimental setups, apply process modelling and Design of Experiments (DoE) methodologies, and support the use of Process Analytical Technology (PAT) for process monitoring and control. You'll analyse and interpret experimental results, translate findings into practical recommendations, and collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, and project teams to support process scale-up and technology transfer.
About You
* A degree (BSc, MSc, or PhD) in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline
* Proven practical experience in laboratory-scale chemical process development
* Hands-on experience setting up, operating, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment
* A sound understanding of chemical engineering principles and unit operations
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent communication and technical reporting abilities
Desirable
* Experience in process modelling and simulation, or programming in Python, MATLAB, or R
* Background in pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, speciality chemicals, biotechnology, or advanced materials
* Knowledge of DoE, PAT, statistical/multivariate data analysis, chemometrics, scale-up, pilot plant operations, or Quality by Design (QbD)
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed