Senior Process Development Engineer - Small Molecule

Senior Process Development Engineer – Small Molecule

APC Ltd is an award-winning and rapidly growing science- and technology-driven pharmaceutical process research company. In the space of 5 years, we have pioneered innovation in the sector and we now partner with 8 of the top-10 pharma and 5 of the top-10 biotech firms in the world.

From our world-class facility, we offer specialised chemical and process engineering solutions. Powered by novel technology and world-class scientific research, we help companies accelerate the development & launch of their medicines.

Our rapid growth has come from a commitment to excellence, a drive to innovate and the desire to develop a challenging, creative, and rewarding environment for our team. If you are interested in a career focused on technical innovation, technology design and impact, we would love to hear from you.

About the team

Department: Technical Operations

Reports to: Engineering Functional Lead

Our Engineering team comprises of highly qualified, capable, and welcoming colleagues. We support our clients by delivering world class pharmaceutical process research and development to accelerate the delivery of quality, life-changing medicines to the patient across a wide range of therapeutic areas. Now more than ever the opportunities are greater as technology enhances our capability to make a real difference to patients.

Our team vision is to enhance the process development experience for our clients in a dynamic and cross-collaborative environment, with application of best-in-class chemical engineering techniques, workflows, and technologies.

If you are looking to further your career in a cutting-edge dynamic, creative, and patient focussed environment then APC is for you.

Principal Duties and Objectives

• Responsible for steering the research activity in the laboratory and managing the experimental workplan to uphold APC’s Engineering workflows, maintaining ‘excellence in execution’ and meeting project objectives. This will comprise of a mixture of personal/hands-on laboratory activity and guidance/direction of the supporting research activities taken on by scientists, engineers and analysts attached to the project(s).
• Author, review and approve technical presentations, updates, reports, and client facing materials and information.
• Lead the tech transfer, development and/or optimization of processes across a broad range of development areas, from small molecule (chemical reaction, work-up, crystallization, filtration, drying).
• Lead the devising of model-supported (e.g., DynoChem, CFD) scale-up strategies to enable successful tech transfer of APC developed laboratory processes to the client’s manufacturing network.
• Lead troubleshooting and problem-solving of process and equipment technical challenges, using engineering principles, calculations, and computational methods in approaching.
• Demonstrate the use of problem-solving skills requiring the application of engineering principles, calculations, and computational methods in approaching technical challenges with moderate to significant complexity and scope.
• Drive the development and introduction of new techniques, methods, and processes to improve business effectiveness, as required.
• Technically represent the organisation to clients and at conference events.
• Operate to GLP standards (adherence to APCs Safety and Quality Systems) within a R&D laboratory.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of 5+ years’ industry experience in process development Engineering or Manufacturing Sciences and Technology (MSAT) support (if PhD qualified); or Minimum of 7+ years’ industry experience (if MSc qualified). Minimum of 10+ years’ industry experience (if bachelor’s qualified).
• Ability to work in a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment.
• Highly experienced in pharmaceutical process development and process design, applying core chemical engineering principles.
• Skilled in the application of PAT to the development of pharmaceutical processes in the laboratory.
• Experience in technical coaching and mentoring.
• Experience in developing OFAT and DOE experimental plans.
• Experience in the scale-up/down and tech transfer of pharmaceutical unit operations (e.g. Leveraging model tools such as Dynochem, CFD etc)
• Self-motivated with “can-do” attitude.
• Excellent technical writing and technical presentation skills.
• Ability to disseminate information to research team and key stakeholders.
• Proven ability to direct research and meet objectives.

Desirable Skills

• Proven experience in leading teams and supervising PD/MSAT laboratories.
• Proficiency with engineering modelling tools such as CFD, MATLAB, Python, MVDA, and related platforms.
• Demonstrated experience in line management and team development.
• Strong background in conducting process safety assessments and risk evaluations.
• Exposure to emerging technologies, including continuous processing, automation, and advanced process systems.

How to apply

Suitable candidates should submit a CV and a Cover Letter by close of business 31st May 2025

APC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all employees. All employment decisions at APC are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to gender, ethnicity, age, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, or any other status protected by Irish law.

Similar vacancies arising in the coming 6 months may be filled from this group of applicants.

Salary

The salary is negotiable and dependent on the experience of the successful candidate.