Role
Associate Principal / Principal Process Chemist
Location
Alderley Park, Cheshire, England
Job Type
Permanent
Salary
£50,000 - £70,000 depending on experience
Date posted
16th March 2026
Start date
ASAP
The Company
Sai Life Sciences is the fastest growing Indian Contract Research & Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CRDMO) and works with innovator biotech and pharmaceutical companies globally to accelerate their discovery, development and commercialisation of small molecules for a healthier tomorrow.
With more than 3000 staff globally, R&D facilities in Boston, Manchester & Hyderabad, and large-scale commercial manufacturing in Bidar, India, Sai today works with 18 of the top 25 pharma companies globally, as well as many leading smaller biotechs.
In 2020, the company opened its centre of excellence for process chemistry and analytical development at the Alderley Park Science Park in Manchester. The site today has >60 multi-disciplinary scientists (chemists, analysts and engineers).
On December 18, 2024, Sai Life Sciences was listed in the Indian Stock Exchange (Ticker: SAILIFE) following an IPO that was oversubscribed by >10 times.
Non-GMP manufacture of kg quantities of intermediates and APIs is currently possible within our bespoke Scale-up laboratory facility and a GMP Kilo-lab facility was brought online in 2023 capable of kg quantities of GMP API suitable for early phase clinical studies. Developed processes are frequently transferred to Sai’s manufacturing sites in India for further scale-up when required.
This role is a great opportunity to work on projects for our customers, across a diverse portfolio in both the UK and India. You will also get to work closely with some of the most innovative biotech and pharma companies on their most important programs.
The role will be based in Alderley Park, Cheshire, UK and will require right to work in the UK. Occasional travel, domestic and international to India is optional.
The Role
· You will join a team that identifies, develops and optimises synthetic routes and processes to APIs and intermediates, supporting both early and late phase development.
· The successful candidate will have a strong technical grounding in Organic Chemistry with significant experience in a relevant industry and a BSc, MSc or PhD with a specialism in Organic Synthesis or Process Chemistry.
· Demonstrated expertise in early, mid or late-phase route and process development for the manufacture of APIs, intermediates and raw materials, and/or experience with quality by design, technology transfer and commercial production would also be advantageous.
· The candidate is expected to conduct practical, laboratory-based chemistry projects to develop routes and processes and then scale-up to manufacture
· The candidate should be able to lead chemistry projects as required to develop routes and processes and then scale-up to manufacture.
· There may also be opportunities for line leadership for the right candidate, however line leadership experience is not a requirement for the role.
Essential Requirements
· Higher or bachelor's degree in chemistry or related scientific discipline with significant relevant experience in a Process or Synthetic Chemistry environment.
· Experienced in the design of chemistry routes and processes for the scale-up of novel APIs, intermediates and raw materials, working alongside analysts and engineers.
· In-depth, hands-on expertise and up-to-date knowledge of organic chemistry and process research and development. Experience of lab-plant tech transfer and project leadership experience is highly desirable.
· Strong scientific track record
Key Roles and Responsibilities
· Lead, design and conduct laboratory experimentation to deliver customer projects.
· Deliver new routes and processes for early-phase APIs and intermediates to enable scale-up to 35 L.
· Deliver optimised processes for mid and late-phase APIs and intermediates to enable scale-up to pilot and production facilities in India.
· Working within multi-functional project teams operating to tight deadlines.
· Leading the chemistry aspects of projects as required.
· Maintain an organised and safe lab environment and encourage others to achieve the same by acting as a role model both in and out of the lab.
· Contribute to project definition activities (proposal writing etc) and support business development activities as required.
Key Attributes
· Demonstrate learning agility in the use of new technologies and approaches to support chemistry projects.
· Ability to solve complex scientific problems as part of a cross-functional team.
· Excellent communication; both verbal and written.
o This includes the ability to accurately detail laboratory experimentation in an electronic notebook and ability to write clear and concise project reports and slides as required.
· A team player.
· Conscientious with a can-do attitude with good attention to detail.
· Good project management and supervisory / mentoring skills.
The Offer
· A competitive Salary and Benefits package including company pension, health and life insurance, minimum of 25 days holiday per year and enhanced family leave.
· Work in a state-of-the-art facility in one of the country's leading Biotech & Life Science Parks.
· Flexible working hours and conditions to suit the right candidate.
Next steps
Please send your CV and cover letter to with details of the role that you are applying for - or simply apply on LinkedIn in the usual way - you don't need to do both.
As an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
Please note that Sai Life Sciences Ltd is unable to sponsor the visas for any candidates for the above role.