At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise crystallisation processes for pharmaceutical development.
- Company: Join Almac Sciences, a leader in custom synthesis for the pharmaceutical industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, staff discounts, and an attractive compensation package.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and excellent opportunities for long-term career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on human health while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry or related field; experience in crystallisation process development required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Craigavon, Northern Ireland
Hours: 37.5 Hours per week, Monday to Friday. Flexible working hours.
The Business Unit Almac Sciences provides a wide range of custom synthesis services, technology, and products to the pharmaceutical industry, supporting our clients from drug discovery to commercialisation of new chemical entities. We can offer a complete set of solutions aimed at accelerating entry into early-stage clinical development. Advancing human health requires exceptional people - your talent, experience and passion will be the perfect match. Together we will make an exceptional difference to the health of countless patients all over the world. Joining Almac means becoming part of a fast-paced, growing organisation within a highly regulated industry. We offer a supportive and collaborative working environment, with excellent opportunities for learning, development and long-term career progression across the Almac Group. Our approach is simple: we support, develop and reward our people, build fulfilling careers and together we advance human health.
The Opportunity The Crystallisation Process Scientist will be responsible for the design, development, and optimisation of crystallisation processes for API and key intermediate isolation and purification. The role involves applying fundamental understanding of solid-state chemistry, phase behaviour, and particle engineering to deliver robust, scalable crystallisation processes suitable for transfer to kilo lab, pilot and GMP manufacturing plants. Depending on your experience, you will provide technical leadership across projects, identifying and mitigating risks associated with crystallisation, solid form control, and downstream processing, while ensuring delivery to client timelines and regulatory expectations.
- Design and execute crystallisation process development studies, including solvent selection, supersaturation control, and seeding strategies
- Develop robust crystallisation procedures for solid form control (polymorph, solvate, hydrate selection)
- Apply thermodynamic and kinetic principles to optimise nucleation, crystal growth, and particle size distribution
- Conduct solid-state and particle characterisation using appropriate analytical techniques (e.g., XRPD, DSC, microscopy)
- Define and control critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical material attributes (CMAs) related to crystallisation
- Support scale-up and technology transfer to pilot plant or kilo lab, ensuring process robustness and reproducibility
- Troubleshoot crystallisation challenges including oiling out, agglomeration, poor filtration, and polymorphic instability
- Collaborate with synthetic chemistry, analytical, and engineering teams to ensure integrated process understanding
- Maintain clear and compliant documentation aligned with GMP and CMC expectations
- Provide technical input for client discussions, reports, and regulatory documentation
Essential Candidate Criteria:
- Degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or closely related discipline
- Demonstrated experience in crystallisation process development and solid-state chemistry
- Strong understanding of phase diagrams, solubility, and crystallisation kinetics
- Experience with scale-up considerations and process robustness in an industrial setting
- Proven ability to solve complex crystallisation and isolation challenges
Desirable Criteria:
- Postgraduate qualification (MSc/PhD) in Crystallisation, Solid-State Chemistry, or Particle Engineering
- Experience with PAT tools (e.g., FBRM, PVM) and advanced crystallisation monitoring
- Knowledge of polymorph screening and crystallisation risk management strategies
- Familiarity with GMP environments and regulatory expectations (CMC)
As part of a busy team within a rapidly growing organisation, operating within a challenging industry you will benefit from the numerous personal and professional developmental opportunities available throughout the Almac group.
Closing Date: Sunday 14th June 2026 at 5pm
Skills: Chemistry, Knowledge of GMP, scale up, chemistry, crystallisation
Benefits: Professional Development + Growth, Staff Discounts, Attractive Compensation Package, Employee Recognition, Rewards for Years Of Service, Group Healthcare Scheme, Pension Scheme
Senior Crystallisation Process Development Chemist employer: Almac Group Ltd
Almac Sciences is an exceptional employer located in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With flexible working hours and a commitment to advancing human health, employees benefit from a comprehensive compensation package, professional development opportunities, and a culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the pharmaceutical industry while enjoying a fulfilling career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Crystallisation Process Development Chemist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the crystallisation and solid-state chemistry fields. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your crystallisation process development projects. Include any successful optimisations or innovative solutions you've implemented. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing answers to common questions related to crystallisation and solid-state chemistry. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining Almac. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with our mission to advance human health. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Crystallisation Process Development Chemist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Crystallisation Process Development Chemist role. Highlight your experience in crystallisation process development and solid-state chemistry, as these are key areas for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with our needs. Be specific about your experience with crystallisation processes and any relevant projects you've worked on.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical skills related to crystallisation, such as your understanding of phase diagrams and crystallisation kinetics. We want to see how you can contribute to our team right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it during the hiring process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Almac Group Ltd
✨Know Your Chemistry
Brush up on your solid-state chemistry and crystallisation processes. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used, like solvent selection or seeding strategies, and how they relate to the role. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex crystallisation challenges you've faced and how you resolved them. Whether it was dealing with polymorphic instability or poor filtration, having concrete examples will demonstrate your ability to think critically and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
✨Understand Regulatory Expectations
Familiarise yourself with GMP environments and CMC expectations. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve maintained compliance in past roles, as this is crucial for the position. Showing that you understand the importance of documentation and regulatory standards will set you apart.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams, such as synthetic chemistry and analytical teams. Discuss how effective communication has helped you deliver projects on time and meet client expectations. This role requires collaboration, so showing you can work well with others is key.
