Product Operations Manager - Synthetic Chemistry in Glasgow

About Chemify

Chemify is revolutionising chemistry. We are creating a future where the synthesis of previously unimaginable molecules, drugs, and materials is instantly accessible. By combining AI, robotics, and the world’s largest continually expanding database of chemical programs, we are accelerating chemical discovery to improve quality of life and extend the reach of humanity.

Chemify are recruiting for a Product Operations Manager to act as the technical lead (or joint technical lead) for Chemify’s commercial projects. The role sits at the cross-section of Business Development, Commercial Clients, and Production, combining specialist Synthetic Chemistry expertise with Project Management responsibilities.

The role’s primary focus is to oversee project progress from retrosynthesis through to final compound delivery, defining synthetic routes, coordinating with internal teams, and providing technical updates to clients. The role also encompasses a critical feedback loop to Chemify’s software and production teams, driving continuous improvement of the platform’s capabilities, efficiency, and success rates.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, assess, and iterate on synthetic routes for commercial compounds (designed in-house or provided by clients), ensuring feasibility within Chemify’s platform capabilities.
• Carry out retrosynthesis of target compounds in coordination with the Molecular Design team, selecting appropriate reaction conditions using literature and internal tools.
• Plan and manage individual synthesis campaigns, purifications, and forward synthesis, collaborating closely with the Senior POM and relevant lab teams.
• Ensure that planned experiments are safe and accurate for production through thorough procedure and COSHH evaluation.
• Prepare synthesis reports for clients — both ongoing updates at agreed intervals and end-of-project reports as part of project closure.
• Keep the Business Development / Customer Success team updated through regular stand-up meetings on chemistry progress, project goals, successes, bottlenecks, risks, and issues — in line with Senior POM guidance.
• Prepare (or assist the Senior POM in preparing) presentation slides and materials for client update meetings, and attend external client meetings to discuss project progress.
• Provide back-up route management and project support to other members of the Product Operations team in their absence.
• Collaborate across teams to develop solutions to synthesis and in-lab problems that aid the progression of Chemify’s technology.
• Implement project management best practices and principles (PRINCE2) across the Product Operations team and ongoing projects.
• Keep up to date with current scientific literature and state-of-the-art developments in the field.

What you’ll bring:

Essential Qualifications

• One of the following:
• PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry or a closely related discipline, with 3–5 years of relevant post-qualification experience.
• MSc in Synthetic Organic Chemistry or a closely related discipline, with 10+ years of relevant post-qualification experience.

Essential Experience and Knowledge

• Experience working in an industrial synthetic chemistry laboratory, synthesising and isolating compounds.
• A broad understanding of chemistry, chemical reactions and a curiosity to synthesise a diverse range of compounds using different synthesis routes and processes.
• A good understanding of the general methods used in synthetic chemistry.
• Experience using retrosynthesis tools and electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Able to assimilate complex concepts with ease and manage projects requiring a wide range of different techniques.
• Able to deliver complex projects to tight deadlines.
• Strong communication skills (fluent in English), with the ability to interface effectively across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Good numeracy, literacy, and attention to detail.
• Experienced in using Microsoft Office, ChemDraw, MestReNova, and Reaxys.
• Able to work as part of a diverse, cross-functional team across multiple sites.
• Resilience in the face of failure in the laboratory.

Beneficial Skills:

• Enthusiasm to push automation approaches in chemistry.
• Experience working collaboratively on synthesis projects, managing synthesis campaigns, and understanding of compound design, Structure Activity Relationships (SAR), and Structure Property Relationships (SPR).
• Experience with project management tools such as Jira or Asana.
• Familiarity with project management frameworks (e.g. PRINCE2).
• Experience with software tools such as VS Code or Linux environments.