Senior Crystallisation Process Development Chemist

Senior Crystallisation Process Development Chemist

Location: Craigavon, Northern Ireland

Hours: 37.5 Hours pr week, Monday – Friday. Flexible working hours.

Business Unit: Almac Sciences

Open To: Internal & External Applicants

Ref No.: HRJOB11520

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. More information can be found here; Life at Almac - Almac

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.

Key activities include

· 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.

RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE NOTE: Almac will only accept applications from agencies/business partners that have been invited to work on this role by our Talent Acquisition team. Speculative candidate CVs received or submitted directly to Hiring Managers will be considered unsolicited, and no fee will be payable. Thank you for your cooperation.

Closing Date: Sunday 14th June 2026 at 5pm