Associate Scientist

Sanofi-Synthelabo and Aventis Pharmaceuticals, part of the sanofi-aventis Group are facing the future and leading the way as the 3rd largest pharmaceutical company in the world and number 1 in Europe. Backed by a world-class R&D organization, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven therapeutic areas: cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, oncology, diabetes, central nervous system, internal medicine, and vaccines.Embrace this opportunity to join a diverse and talented group of individuals championed to take on innovation and change in our rapidly expanding organization.A key laboratory role within Process Research. The job-holder assists in the development and scale-up of practical synthetic routes for the manufacture of new chemical entities intended for clinical development and in the provision of early supplies of NCEs and reference compounds which may or may not be made to cGMP (using the GMP scale-up labs). The incumbent will assist in the preparation and review of documentation designed to facilitate transfer of processes into the Pilot Plant for further scale-up and may act as an advisor when new or modified processes they have helped to develop are first run in the Pilot Plant.Duties/Responsibilities
1. Synthesize, purify and characterize candidate APIs and reference compounds in quantities from mg to hundreds of grams.
2. Undertake experiments to define laboratory processes capable of scale-up to the pilot plant. The processes must have due consideration for filtration, drying, process and environmental safety and suitable robustness.
3. Interface with the Chem Tech group to facilitate the generation of process safety data and to enable parallel chemistry support as needed. Interact with the pilot plant, ASD, PSD and PD as needed.
4. Prepare/maintain internal and external documentation such as e-laboratory notebooks, monthly reports, TTD's, IDM's, PLP's.
5. Mentor less experienced associates as required by demonstrating and overseeing laboratory activities and fostering professional/technical development.
6. Maintain awareness of scientific and technological advances in the field.
7. Follow safe working practices and industrial hygiene procedures.
REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge/Skills
Developing knowledge of scale-up principles and unit processes in chemical manufacture. Well developed practical organic chemistry skills. Awareness of cGMP regulations and recommendations. Good knowledge of organic and analytical chemistry and ability to use routine analytical equipment, eg HPLC, GC, GC-MS, NMR etc. An awareness of chemical engineering principles and practices. Developing knowledge of process safety methodology. Strong team working skills.Formal Education/Experience
MS in chemistry or chemical engineering without further experience. BS in chemistry or chemical engineering with 2-5 years industrial experience in chemical research / development.