Crystallisation Scientist

Company overview

Founded in 1999, Asymchem has grown into a leading global integrated Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), renowned for its innovative solutions and commitment to excellence. Our mission is to drive smarter, greener, and more cost-effective manufacturing to support pharmaceutical and biotech research and commercialization. We recently announced the acquisition of research laboratories and a small molecule API pilot plant at Discovery Park, Sandwich, UK, establishing our first manufacturing facility in Europe and expanding our capabilities to meet the needs of global clients. The Sandwich facility will act as the flagship site for European R&D and we are looking to recruit into key roles. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an innovative, collaborative, dynamic team of scientists and help shape our operations and the future of our organisation.

What we offer

We offer competitive compensation, a flexible benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, opportunities to buy or sell holidays, as well as a good work-life balance. Enjoy a fun and rewarding career with daily opportunities to collaborate with highly talented scientists. Additionally, there will be myriad opportunities to learn new technical and interpersonal skills, develop existing strengths, coach and mentor others, while pursuing our company's mission.

Position Summary

Based at our state-of-the-art Sandwich laboratories, you will design and develop robust, efficient and sustainable crystallisation processes for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), API intermediates, and fine chemicals. Using high-throughput experimentation (HTE), you will explore polymorphism, salts, solvates, and crystal habit. Collaborating with our chemistry, analytical and engineering teams, you will help meet project goals and transfer crystallisation processes to scale-up and manufacturing facilities. We welcome applications from experienced crystallisation scientists, as well as experienced material scientists with an interest in diversifying into crystallisation.

Position Responsibilities

• Independently perform all aspects of crystallisation process development
• Use modelling and statistical analysis software to support crystallisation and downstream process design, scale-up, and understanding.
• Consider scalability, robustness and cost-effectiveness to ensure processes can be successfully transferred to manufacturing scale.
• Proficiently operate and maintain relevant crystallisation development equipment, including support and use of relevant Process Analytical Technology (PAT).
• Perform comprehensive solid form screening using a wide range of techniques to support understanding of the solid form landscape.
• Demonstrate an understanding of polymorphism, including the identification and characterisation of polymorphs, hydrates, solvates, and salts, and their implications for process development, and intellectual property.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues within the group and across multi-disciplinary teams, helping to align work with needs of the customers
• Contribute to effective technology transfer documentation for research and commercial manufacturing sites.
• Communicate project progress, plans, requirements, and risks to senior analysts, managers, stakeholders, and clients. This includes both informal updates and formal written reports/presentations.
• Stay current with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), data integrity/handling policies and relevant business practices, ensuring compliance with internal and external quality standards.
• Apply a continuous improvement mindset to identify opportunities for improved work processes to deliver increased productivity, safety and quality.
• Utilise the experience of the group to support continued professional development in a range of technical areas to develop a high level of expertise supplemented with transferrable soft skills.

Organisational Relationships

Collaborate with other colleagues including Process Engineers, Process Chemists, Analytical Chemists, Pilot Plant facility staff, formulation scientists and manufacturing colleagues at Sandwich and other global sites. External contact with a broad range of clients, external consultants & contractors. This position reports to the Technology and Engineering Sciences lead.

Education and Experience

• Master’s/Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related subject as a minimum.
• Meaningful experience of crystallisation development and associated analytical and solid form characterisation techniques, or experience of the application of material science techniques with a keen interest in diversifying your skills and acquiring knowledge in the development of crystallisation processes.

Technical Skills

• Broad knowledge of crystallisation techniques and downstream processing steps, including filtration, washing and drying.
• Proven application of theoretical knowledge in the laboratory and proficient in a wide range of characterization techniques.
• Capable of leading and planning the scientific direction of specific work packages.
• High laboratory productivity to maximize the knowledge gained from experimental work to advance work packages efficiently and effectively.
• Communicates effectively with clarity and purpose both in verbal and written forms.

Enthusiastic attitude and approach to teamwork and acts as role model with positive influencing and listening skills.

High learning agility with an ability to apply learning from prior experience to new situations and problems.

Rational, innovative and creative approach to solve problems of a moderate complexity.

Proactive planning and organizational skills and the ability of multi-tasking and prioritizing in a highly dynamic environment.

Company Values

• At Asymchem, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every individual feels valued and cared for. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we provide career development opportunities to support the professional growth of all employees. Join us in creating a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do.