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Process Chemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Acts as Chemistry Process Owner for a manufacturing process area and/or as a local expert in a specific technology. Applies a combination of theoretical and applied knowledge to guide and lead ...

Acts as Chemistry Process Owner for a manufacturing process area and/or as a local expert in a specific technology. Applies a combination of theoretical and applied knowledge to guide and lead ...

$95K - $121K/yr

The Process Chemistry Group within the ADM Research and Development organization has an opening for a Senior Research Scientist. The qualified candidate will be expected to carry out and/or lead ...

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Process Chemistry information

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How much do process chemistry jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for process chemistry in the United States is $24.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by process chemists in scaling up reactions from the laboratory to manufacturing?

Process chemists often encounter challenges when transitioning chemical reactions from small-scale laboratory experiments to large-scale manufacturing. These challenges include ensuring consistent product quality, managing heat transfer and mixing issues, and addressing safety concerns that may not be apparent at a smaller scale. Close collaboration with engineers, quality control teams, and safety specialists is essential to address these complexities and optimize the process for commercial production. Effective troubleshooting and adaptability are key skills for success in this role.

What is the highest paid chemist job?

The highest paid chemist roles are often in pharmaceutical or industrial sectors, such as senior research scientists or chemical engineering managers, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and expertise in specialized areas like process development or regulatory compliance.

What is process chemistry?

Process chemistry is a branch of chemistry focused on the development, optimization, and scale-up of chemical processes for manufacturing substances, typically in the pharmaceutical or chemical industries. Process chemists work to make chemical reactions safer, more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly when moving from laboratory scale to large-scale production. Their responsibilities often include troubleshooting, improving yields, and ensuring regulatory compliance during manufacturing. This field is crucial for bringing new chemical products from research and development to market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Process Chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Chemist, you need a solid background in organic and analytical chemistry, typically with a bachelor's or advanced degree in chemistry or chemical engineering. Familiarity with laboratory instruments (e.g., HPLC, GC, NMR), process scale-up techniques, and safety regulations is essential, and certifications like OSHA training can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are key soft skills for success. These competencies ensure safe, efficient development and optimization of chemical processes, which are crucial for high-quality, scalable manufacturing.

What is the difference between Process Chemistry vs Chemical Engineering?

AspectProcess ChemistryChemical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Chemistry or related field, possibly a master'sBachelor's in Chemical Engineering, often with a master's or higher
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D settings, pilot plantsIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process design
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, research labsPetrochemicals, large-scale manufacturing, process optimization

Process Chemistry focuses on developing and optimizing chemical reactions and formulations, often in research and development settings. Chemical Engineering involves designing and managing large-scale chemical processes and production systems. While both roles require chemistry knowledge, Process Chemists are more research-oriented, whereas Chemical Engineers focus on process scale-up and plant operations.

What does a process chemist do?

A process chemist develops, optimizes, and scales chemical manufacturing processes to ensure efficient, safe, and cost-effective production of chemicals or pharmaceuticals. They analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and work with laboratory and production teams to improve process performance, often using specialized tools like chromatography and spectrometry. Strong knowledge of chemistry, safety protocols, and regulatory standards is essential in this role.

How much do process chemists make in the US?

Process chemists in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and industry. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and working in high-demand sectors such as pharmaceuticals or specialty chemicals.

What are 5 jobs that use chemistry?

Process chemists work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and manufacturing, developing and optimizing chemical processes. Other roles include chemical engineers, quality control analysts, research scientists, and laboratory technicians, all of which require a strong understanding of chemistry principles and often involve working with lab equipment and safety protocols.
More about Process Chemistry jobs
What cities are hiring for Process Chemistry jobs? Cities with the most Process Chemistry job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Chemistry jobs? The most popular types of Process Chemistry jobs are:
What states have the most Process Chemistry jobs? States with the most job openings for Process Chemistry jobs include:
Principal Scientist/Senior Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry

Principal Scientist/Senior Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry

Abaxis

Portage, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Role Description

Position Summary:

The Principal Scientist / Senior Principal Scientist is an experienced scientific leader within process chemistry, leveraging advanced knowledge across multiple disciplines to innovate, troubleshoot, and optimize complex chemical syntheses and scale-up processes. This role requires a highly motivated and independent leader with a proven track record in pharmaceutical or veterinary medicine research and development, capable of driving projects from lead candidate identification through commercial process technical transfer. The successful candidate will lead multi-disciplinary teams, applying deep technical and functional expertise to independently design and execute complex experiments and projects, often in ambiguous situations with significant uncertainty. As a key scientific resource, incumbent influences strategic direction, drives novel experimental approaches across multiple projects, and ensures alignment of work with departmental and organizational goals. The role demands strong people management skills, including mentoring, coaching, and career development of colleagues, while championing productivity improvements and fostering collaboration across functions. Additionally, the candidate may serve as a project leader for various corporate initiatives, providing strategic direction and driving alignment with broader organizational objectives in a global setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Lead process chemistry efforts, including design, development, and scale-up of chemical syntheses for novel veterinary therapeutics.
  • Independently design, scale-up, and optimize synthetic processes from mg to multi-kilogram scale.
  • Apply the principles of green chemistry in API process design to select safer solvents and reagents, minimize waste, reduce environmental impact and improve overall efficiency.
  • Develop and execute impurity control strategies to ensure product quality, safety and regulatory compliance
  • Provide strategic direction and support across multiple projects simultaneously, acting as a scientific resource and technical leader within the group.
  • Lead technology transfer activities to commercial manufacturing facilities ensuring processes are safe, robust, economical, and environmentally responsible.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, understanding the significance and impact of decisions on project progression. Make recommendations to management regarding key sensitive and high impact decisions; involves stakeholders in important decisions affecting them.
  • Prepare and review technical and regulatory documentation, including CMC dossiers and development reports.
  • Develop and implement innovative strategies, tools, and technologies for continuous process improvement.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive digital transformation initiatives in Process Chemistry.
  • Champion novel experimental approaches and business management tools to enhance productivity and impact.
  • Mentor and supervise colleagues, providing guidance, coaching, and career development support.
  • Represent the chemistry function on global research project teams and develop constructive relationships with internal and external partners.
  • Contribute to intellectual property strategy, including the protection and filing of small molecule IP.

Requirements:

  • Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry with minimum of 8 years of industry experience in pharmaceutical or veterinary medicine, process chemistry research and development, and at least 2 years of leadership experience managing teams or projects.
  • Broad expertise in modern synthetic organic chemistry, with a track record of strategic and innovative solutions to synthetic problems. Proficiency in chemical literature searching (SciFinder, Reaxys, etc.), and in compound characterization and spectral analysis (HPLC, GC, NMR, UV, LC-MS).
  • Extensive hands-on experience in process chemistry scale-up, including multi-kilogram scale API manufacturing and technology transfer.
  • Experience with technical and operational risk assessments (e.g., process robustness/FMEA, mutagenic impurities, nitrosamines, PFAS, E&L, etc.).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively influence project teams, external partners, and management.
  • Working knowledge of ICH guidelines and cGMP requirements.
  • Knowledge of process safety requirements and regulations (such as OSHA, REACH, and other relevant standards) applicable to chemical manufacturing and API processes.
  • Experience with automated laboratory reactors and data-rich experimentation, Design of Experiments (DOE), Quality by Design (QbD) concepts
  • Experience working in dynamic global environments and collaborating with contract organizations (CROs/CMOs/CDMOs).
  • Knowledge of small molecule intellectual property strategies and filings.

Preferred/Plus Qualifications

  • Post-doctoral experience.
  • Experience with animal health Industry and veterinary medicine drug development.
  • Experience with the development and implementation of continuous flow manufacturing processes.
  • Experience with data analytics, digital transformation, and use of AI/ML in Process Chemistry.
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About Abaxis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Union City, CA, US

Year founded

1995

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