Process Chemistry

PhD discipline: Chemistry

Researchers in Process Chemistry provide a vital link between the discovery of a potential drug by Discovery Research, its evaluation in clinical research trials and ultimately its manufacture for the marketplace.

Prior to the selection of a new Candidate Drug, only a small quantity of the compound will have been synthesised; the synthetic route may be complex and may involve many stages. As soon as the pharmaceutical properties of the compound look promising, increasing amounts of material are quickly required for toxicity studies and for clinical trials work.   The main challenge for Process Chemists is to rapidly discover a safe, efficient and practical synthetic route.

As a drug progresses through Clinical Development, synthetic routes and processes will be refined and optimised. By the time a drug reaches the market a safe, robust and environmentally benign process must be delivered, to provide product of very high quality routinely.

Process Chemistry is pivotal in achieving the successful development of a new medicine.  Fundamental to this development is a solid understanding of synthetic organic chemistry and process development issues.  Process Chemists interact closely with personnel from different areas: including discovery scientists, manufacturing chemists, analysts, engineers, purchasing and safety experts, working towards a common goal.  In addition to being a talented synthetic organic chemist, the process chemist must therefore be an excellent communicator and team player.  

As a PhD Chemist in Process R&D you would be expected to contribute to the discovery, design and development of viable routes to target candidate compounds for transfer to bulk manufacture. The role is pivotal in achieving the successful development of the chosen compound and ensuring the supply of material to support safety work, formulation activities and Clinical Assessment. You will supervise and develop other staff and collaborate with colleagues across Process R&D, Research and other key areas. You will contribute ideas and practical scientific skills to the projects and advance scientific thinking within the department. This work provides major challenges to the dynamic synthetic organic chemist and there are good opportunities to progress whilst still keeping in close touch with the science.