R&D Scientist – Iron Complex Development (Pharmaceutical/API) - JG

Job Title: R&D Scientist – Iron Complex Development (Pharmaceutical/API)

Job Type: Full-Time

Experience Level: 5–10 Years

Education: M.Sc. / M.Tech. in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or a related field

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced R&D professional with 5–10 years of hands-on experience in the development of iron complexes, particularly ferric and ferrous iron-based products. The candidate will be responsible for process development, optimization, troubleshooting, scale-up, and technology transfer for pharmaceutical iron-complex products.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and optimize ferric and ferrous iron complexes and related iron-based products

Design and execute laboratory and pilot-scale experiments for new product development

Work on reaction chemistry, complex formation, precipitation, oxidation/reduction, pH, temperature, reaction time, and other process parameters

Develop processes for iron sucrose, iron polymaltose/iron hydroxide polymaltose complexes, ferric carboxymaltose, iron isomaltoside, and related iron-carbohydrate or iron-polymer complexes

Optimize critical quality attributes such as molecular weight, particle size, PDI, iron content, oxidation state, solubility, stability, and purity

Troubleshoot precipitation, aggregation, colour changes, molecular-weight variation, yield, and batch-to-batch consistency issues

Document process parameters, batch procedures, development reports, and scale-up protocols

Coordinate with Analytical, QC, QA, Production, and Engineering teams during development and scale-up

Support pilot trials, process scale-up, technology transfer, and validation batches

Evaluate raw materials and their impact on process performance and product quality

Interpret analytical data such as GPC, particle size, zeta potential, iron assay, and elemental analysis

Identify opportunities for process improvement, yield gains, cost reduction, and product quality enhancement

Required Skills

Strong practical knowledge of iron chemistry and coordination/complex chemistry

Hands-on experience with ferric and/or ferrous iron complex development

Solid understanding of iron oxidation and reduction chemistry

Experience controlling pH, temperature, reaction time, concentration, and addition sequence

Knowledge of iron-carbohydrate and iron-polymer complexes

Experience in process optimization and lab-to-pilot scale-up

Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and technical documentation skills

Preferred

Hands-on experience in pharmaceutical/API development of parenteral or injectable iron products is highly preferred.

Ideal Candidate

A technically strong R&D professional who can independently take an iron-complex product from lab development through process optimization, pilot trial, scale-up, and technology transfer.