Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry - Late Stage Development

Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry - Late-Stage Development

Location: Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire

Department: Process Chemistry

Pharmaron is a global CRO helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 25,000 employees worldwide across 28 locations in the US, UK and China, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated, high-quality services. We’re proud of the impact we make and 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 biologics and gene therapies, and we work with more than 3,000 global customers. To learn more, visit

Help shape the successful development and commercialisation of complex medicines

We are seeking an accomplished Principal Scientist to join our late-stage Process Chemistry team in Hoddesdon.

This is a senior scientific leadership position with responsibility for the development, scale-up and technology transfer of robust drug substance manufacturing processes. Working within a fast-paced CRO/CDMO environment, you will lead technically complex client projects and help progress small-molecule APIs from clinical development towards regulatory submission and commercial manufacture.

You will work closely with clients and multidisciplinary colleagues across different functions, locations and time zones. As a recognised scientific authority, you will influence project strategy, provide technical direction and ensure that programmes are delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest scientific and regulatory standards.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced process chemistry professional who combines deep technical expertise with strong client-facing, project leadership and people development capabilities.

What you will be responsible for

As a Principal Scientist, you will:

• Provide scientific leadership for the design, planning and execution of late-stage process development programmes for small-molecule APIs.
• Lead technically complex client projects from initial engagement through process optimisation, technology transfer, scale-up and regulatory submission support.
• Develop robust, safe, scalable and commercially viable manufacturing processes using Quality by Design and sound scientific risk-management principles.
• Apply expert knowledge of process design, control strategies, process characterisation and critical process parameters.
• Lead the transfer of processes into pilot plant, GMP and commercial manufacturing environments.
• Identify and resolve complex technical challenges through rigorous scientific investigation and data-driven decision-making.
• Work collaboratively with Analytical Chemistry, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory and other specialist functions to align project activities, deliverables and timelines.
• Act as a senior scientific contact for clients, chairing technical meetings, presenting complex data and providing clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• Build trusted client relationships and ensure that scientific conclusions, project risks and development strategies are communicated effectively.
• Contribute to project proposals, technical assessments, resource planning and the development of client programmes.
• Drive innovation and evaluate new technologies, methodologies and working practices that improve process robustness, safety, sustainability and efficiency.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching and mentorship to scientists across the department.
• Support the continued development of scientific capabilities, technical standards and best practice within the Process Chemistry team.

What you will bring

You will have:

• A PhD in Chemistry or a closely related discipline, or an MSc/BSc supported by equivalent relevant industrial experience.
• Extensive industrial experience in chemical process development, typically gained over 15 or more years, with significant expertise in late-stage development and manufacturing.
• A strong track record of developing and scaling small-molecule API processes within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CRO or CDMO sector.
• Demonstrable experience of working in a client-facing CRO/CDMO environment, with accountability for scientific strategy, project delivery and client communication.
• Advanced expertise in process design, Quality by Design, process characterisation, technology transfer and scale-up to commercial manufacture.
• A strong understanding of the scientific, technical and regulatory requirements associated with late-phase drug substance development.
• Experience of supporting regulatory submissions and responding to technical or regulatory questions.
• Proven success in leading multidisciplinary project teams and coordinating activities across different functions and geographical locations.
• The ability to interpret complex scientific data, evaluate risk and make sound technical decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to present scientific findings and recommendations to clients and senior stakeholders.
• Experience of supervising, coaching or mentoring scientific colleagues.
• A collaborative, commercially aware and solutions-focused approach.

The qualities that will help you succeed

We are looking for someone who:

• Demonstrates scientific credibility and sound professional judgement.
• Takes ownership and remains accountable for project outcomes.
• Can balance scientific rigour with commercial priorities and delivery timelines.
• Builds effective relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Communicates complex information clearly and confidently.
• Approaches technical challenges with curiosity, resilience and creativity.
• Promotes high standards of safety, quality, integrity and regulatory compliance.
• Enjoys developing people and sharing scientific knowledge.
• Thrives in a dynamic, collaborative and growth-focused environment.

Why join Pharmaron?

At Pharmaron, you will join a specialist, fast-growing organisation operating at the forefront of pharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing.

We partner with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies around the world to tackle complex scientific challenges and support the development of new medicines. Our teams are united by a commitment to scientific excellence, ethical working and consistently delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.

This position offers the opportunity to

• Lead scientifically challenging and commercially important development programmes.
• Influence project strategy from late-stage development through to commercial manufacture.
• Work with talented multidisciplinary teams and leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.
• Shape scientific capability and best practice within a growing Process Chemistry department.
• Mentor and develop the next generation process chemistry scientists.
• Build your career within an international organisation with significant opportunities for professional growth.

Our Hoddesdon site

Pharmaron’s Hoddesdon campus provides more than 5,000 m² of high-quality research and development space, bringing together established Process Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Drug Discovery and Formulation Development teams. The site includes state-of-the-art facilities supporting the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients, pharmaceutical formulations and scalable chemical processes. Its integrated scientific capabilities create a highly collaborative environment in which complex programmes can progress efficiently from development through to GMP manufacture.

What we offer

• A competitive salary.
• A comprehensive and progressive employee benefits package.
• A modern, state-of-the-art scientific working environment.
• Opportunities for career progression within a growing international organisation.
• Support and funding for relevant professional training and development.
• The opportunity to work alongside highly skilled colleagues who collaborate, share knowledge and support one another.
• Challenging and meaningful scientific work that contributes to the development of important medicines.

Right to work

Applicants must already have the permanent right to work in the UK.

Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position, either now or in the future.

Make an impact with us

This is an opportunity to take a leading role within a highly scientific and regulated environment, applying your expertise to complex development programmes and helping clients progress new medicines towards commercial manufacture.

About Pharmaron

Pharmaron is a premier service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and CGT products. With over 25,000 employees and operations in the U.S., the U.K. and China. Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.

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