Pharmaron
Scientist, Process Chemistry

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Job Introduction
Scientist, Process Chemistry
Location: Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, UK
Pharmaron is a global CRO/CDMO helping pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies bring new therapies to life. With more than 25,000 employees across 28 locations in the UK, US, and China, we support our partners throughout the drug discovery, development, and manufacturing lifecycle through fully integrated, high-quality scientific services.
We are proud of the impact we make. Last year, we supported more than 780 discovery projects, over 1,000 CMC programmes, and more than 1,000 clinical trials across all phases. Our teams work across a broad range of therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and cell and gene therapies, supporting more than 3,000 customers worldwide.
To learn more about Pharmaron, visit www.pharmaron.com.
About The Role
Pharmaron is seeking an entry-level or experienced Scientist, Process Chemistry to join our expanding Process Chemistry team in Hoddesdon.
Important Eligibility Requirements
- Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship or support with work permit applications for this position. Applicants must therefore already have the unrestricted right to work in the UK and must not require sponsorship now or in the future.
- Applicants must also have already completed their MSc or higher qualification at the time of application. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications from current students who are due to graduate in 2027.
Our Process Chemistry group delivers complex pharmaceuticals for clinical trials and marketed products, working with pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners across the globe.
Operating at the forefront of active pharmaceutical ingredient development, our scientists design synthetic routes, discover new reactions, and transform them into robust, scalable, and commercially viable manufacturing processes. We use advanced technologies, including robotics-enhanced reaction screening, machine learning models, and statistical tools, while collaborating closely with scientific teams across Pharmaron’s global network.
As part of an international organisation with world-class capabilities spanning discovery, development, and manufacturing, you will have the opportunity to build your scientific expertise while contributing to diverse and technically challenging projects.
The Opportunity
In this role, you will:
- Contribute to the design and execution of synthetic chemistry experiments supporting API development projects.
- Develop practical, robust, and scalable synthetic routes for pharmaceutical compounds.
- Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams to achieve key milestones and client objectives.
- Support process optimisation, scale-up, and technology transfer activities.
- Learn and apply best practices in process development, scale-up, and GMP manufacturing.
- Interpret experimental data and use your findings to guide process development.
- Communicate scientific results and recommendations clearly and effectively.
- Maintain accurate laboratory documentation and electronic records.
- Operate within a strong culture of safety, quality, and scientific excellence.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct laboratory-based synthetic organic chemistry experiments.
- Design and execute experiments to improve the safety, quality, robustness, and scalability of chemical processes.
- Analyse and interpret reaction data to inform process development decisions.
- Maintain detailed, accurate, and contemporaneous laboratory notebooks and experimental records.
- Support the scale-up of chemical processes from laboratory development through to pilot plant manufacture.
- Collaborate with analytical chemistry, GMP manufacturing, engineering, and project management colleagues.
- Contribute to project progress updates, technical discussions, and scientific presentations.
- Ensure compliance with company safety, quality, and GMP standards.
- Assist in identifying opportunities to improve process efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.
- Contribute to the successful delivery of client projects within agreed timelines.
About You
Qualifications and Experience
You will have:
- A completed MSc or higher qualification in Chemistry, supported by a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree or equivalent.
- An industrial placement or final-year research project focused on organic or synthetic chemistry.
- Practical experience of modern organic synthesis techniques and reaction methodologies.
- Experience working within a laboratory environment, gained through academic research, industrial placements, or employment.
- A strong interest in developing a career within process chemistry and pharmaceutical development.
Previous postgraduate industry experience would be beneficial but is not essential.
Knowledge And Skills
You will demonstrate:
- A strong understanding of synthetic organic chemistry principles.
- Good practical laboratory skills and excellent attention to detail.
- The ability to analyse and interpret experimental results.
- An understanding of chemical reaction mechanisms and synthetic route design.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
- The ability to prioritise tasks and deliver work within agreed timelines.
- The ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary scientific teams.
- A commitment to maintaining accurate scientific documentation.
- An awareness of laboratory safety, risk assessment, and good scientific practice.
Personal Attributes
You will be:
- Collaborative, respectful, and team-oriented.
- Curious, proactive, and eager to learn.
- Scientifically rigorous and committed to high-quality work.
- Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced project environment.
- Able to approach scientific challenges with creativity and perseverance.
- Committed to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and integrity.
- Confident communicating ideas, results, and recommendations to colleagues.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Why Join Pharmaron?
At Pharmaron, you will have the opportunity to:
- Join a leading global CRO/CDMO delivering innovative solutions across the pharmaceutical lifecycle.
- Work within state-of-the-art research, development, and GMP facilities in Hoddesdon.
- Gain exposure to diverse scientific challenges across multiple therapeutic areas and development stages.
- Use advanced process chemistry technologies, including automated reaction screening and data-led process development tools.
- Collaborate with highly experienced scientists and industry specialists.
- Work as part of multidisciplinary and international project teams.
- Access ongoing training, professional development, and career progression opportunities.
- Build valuable experience across process development, scale-up, technology transfer, and manufacturing.
- Be part of a supportive, collaborative, and science-driven culture.
Our Culture
Collaboration and innovation are central to the way we work. At Pharmaron, your voice matters, and your contribution can make a meaningful impact on the successful development of new medicines.
“Employees Number One” and “Clients Centred” are our core cultural values. Our culture reflects our commitment to our employees, customers, partners, and collaborators, and helps us deliver scientific excellence across our global organisation.
How To Apply
If you are ready to develop your career in process chemistry and contribute to innovative pharmaceutical research and development, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Please ensure that you meet the right-to-work and completed qualification requirements outlined above before submitting your application.
Apply online today and join Pharmaron’s Process Chemistry team in Hoddesdon.
About Pharmaron
Founded in 2004, Pharmaron is a leading service provider to the life sciences industry. We have invested extensively in our people, technologies, and facilities to establish a broad range of research, development, and manufacturing capabilities.
Our services span the drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and cell and gene therapies. With more than 25,000 employees and operations across the UK, US, and China, Pharmaron has an established track record of delivering high-quality research and development solutions to pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners worldwide.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London