Research Scientist / Executive Process Development (API Synthesis)

Why This Role Matters

The Research Scientist – Process Development plays a critical role in developing safe, cost-effective, and scalable synthetic routes for intermediates, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), and related impurities. In pharmaceutical research and development, robust process design directly impacts product quality, manufacturing efficiency, regulatory compliance, and overall commercialization success.
This position contributes to laboratory experimentation, process optimization, and technology transfer activities that support large-scale manufacturing. By ensuring strong documentation practices and adherence to EHS and cGMP/non-cGMP standards, the role helps maintain scientific integrity and operational excellence.
At Pfizer, professionals in Research and Development are empowered to innovate, collaborate, and contribute to life-changing therapies through disciplined scientific practices and continuous improvement.

Job Description

The Research Scientist / Executive – Process Development will be responsible for planning and executing laboratory experiments, interpreting results, and supporting process development activities for chemical synthesis projects.
The role includes literature review for alternative synthetic routes, supporting scale-up and technology transfer activities, and maintaining high standards of documentation and compliance. The candidate will collaborate with internal departments such as KGL, Technology Transfer (TT), and MS&T to ensure smooth scale-up at manufacturing sites and resolution of scale-up challenges.
This is an on-premise position within the Research and Development function.

Key Features of the Role:

• Position: Research Scientist / Executive – Process Development
• Department: Research and Development
• Qualification: M.Sc in Chemistry
• Experience: 1–2 years (industrial chemical synthesis preferred)
• Exposure to API and intermediate synthesis
• Involvement in technology transfer and scale-up activities
• Strong focus on EHS and documentation compliance
• Work Location: On Premise

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experiments as per approved procedures and instructions
• Interpret experimental results and propose process improvements
• Prepare and update project status reports regularly
• Support documentation activities and participate in laboratory operations
• Maintain good documentation practices and effective time management
• Adhere to non-GMP/cGMP procedures as applicable
• Follow Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) procedures strictly
• Conduct literature searches for alternative synthesis routes for intermediates, APIs, and impurities
• Identify safe, cost-effective, and robust process options
• Support Technology Transfer (TT), KGL, and MS&T teams during manufacturing scale-up
• Assist in troubleshooting scale-up challenges and recommend process modifications
• Contribute to developing scalable and robust chemical processes

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong scientific fundamentals in organic chemistry and process development along with practical laboratory skills.

Educational Requirements:

• M.Sc in Chemistry (Mandatory)

Experience and Skills:

• 1–2 years of industrial experience in chemical synthesis (preferred)
• Hands-on experience with laboratory-scale reactions
• Exposure to process optimization and route scouting
• Experience in impurity handling and analytical interpretation (added advantage)
• Understanding of scale-up support activities
• Knowledge of non-GMP/cGMP practices
• Strong documentation and reporting skills
• Basic computer proficiency
• Good communication and collaboration skills
• Awareness of EHS compliance and safe laboratory practices

Salary Insights

Compensation will be aligned with industry standards for early-career R&D professionals in pharmaceutical process development. Salary may vary depending on experience in synthesis, scale-up exposure, and technical proficiency. Additional benefits are provided as per company policy.

Company Overview

Pfizer is a global pharmaceutical leader dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines and vaccines. With a strong focus on research excellence, safety, and compliance, Pfizer fosters an inclusive and growth-oriented work environment.
As an equal opportunity employer, Pfizer complies with all applicable employment legislation in the jurisdictions in which it operates and promotes diversity, scientific integrity, and professional development.

FAQs

Q1. Is prior industrial experience mandatory?
Industrial experience of 1–2 years is preferred but strong academic laboratory exposure may also be considered.

Q2. Does the role involve scale-up support?
Yes, the role includes supporting technology transfer and scale-up activities at manufacturing plants.

Q3. Is GMP knowledge required?
Yes, understanding of non-GMP/cGMP procedures is important.

Q4. Is literature search part of the job?
Yes, candidates are expected to perform literature searches for alternative synthetic routes.

Q5. Is this a field or office role?
This is an on-premise laboratory-based R&D role.

Application Tip

• Highlight laboratory synthesis experience clearly
• Mention exposure to route scouting or impurity profiling
• Include any scale-up or technology transfer support experience
• Emphasize adherence to EHS and documentation practices
• Demonstrate strong fundamentals in organic chemistry and process optimization