Senior Principal Scientist/Team Leader, Process Chemistry in Sandwich

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. Our research laboratories and small molecule API pilot plant at Discovery Park, Sandwich, UK, is our 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 growth of our organisation.

We offer competitive compensation, 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.

Working within our state-of-the-art laboratories at Sandwich, the Senior Principal Scientist/Team Leader will lead a team of Process Chemists, providing strategic direction, mentorship and operational oversight. This role blends scientific expertise with strong people leadership skills to ensure high-quality project outcomes, team development, and effective collaboration across the wider organisation.

• Team Leadership & Development: Provide tailored coaching to scientists at varying career stages, helping them build technical depth, broaden capabilities, and develop leadership skills. Hold regular 1:1 meetings to align on progress, challenges, workload, and wellbeing. Support career progression by identifying growth pathways, preparing development plans, and facilitating opportunities such as stretch assignments, cross functional projects, or conference participation.
• Scientific & Technical Leadership: Lead matrix project teams in the delivery of a range of technical work packages associated with small molecule APIs e.g.: enabling manufactures, route design and process design. Deploy your excellent knowledge of contemporary organic chemistry in the design and demonstration of new synthetic routes to small molecule API candidates. Utilize your expertise in Process Chemistry to guide the design of robust processes which ensure safe, reproducible and scalable manufacturing in large scale GMP equipment. Contribute directly in technology transfer activities to the Sandwich plant facility and other sites within the Asymchem network. Promote systematic troubleshooting approaches, root cause analysis, and data driven decisions. Potential to lead from the lab performing some level of practical experimentation with a critical focus on safety, quality and efficiency. Identify new technologies, methods, or innovations that could strengthen the team’s capability and integrate them into future expansion plans.
• Operational & Organizational Responsibilities: Take a leading role in a potential number of operational areas within the department e.g.: laboratory operations, continuous improvement, growth and development. Ensure lab and operational compliance (health & safety, quality systems, documentation). Contribute to strategic planning and long-term scientific roadmaps. Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention of scientific talent. Apply a continuous improvement mindset to identify opportunities for improved work processes to deliver increased productivity, safety and quality.

Qualifications, skills and experience: A PhD in chemistry with excellent knowledge of organic chemistry and some industry experience OR a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with significant industrial experience is essential. Passionate about people management bringing a positive, high energy, leadership style. Demonstrated experience leading Process Chemistry or API projects in the pharmaceutical or CDMO based role. Experience of direct people management. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Empathetic, supportive, and structured people-management style. A collaborative approach to work in a team environment is essential. Organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities 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.