Welcome Back

Google icon Sign in with Google
OR
I agree to abide by Pharmadaily Terms of Service and its Privacy Policy

Create Account

Google icon Sign up with Google
OR
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Instagram
youtube
Facebook

Senior Expert Drug Supply (Process Chemist)

Novartis
8-12 years
Not Disclosed
Hyderabad
9 May 20, 2026
Job Description
Job Type: Full Time Education: B.Sc./ M.Sc./ M.Pharm/ B.Pharm/ Life Sciences Skills: ICH guidelines, ICSR Case Processing, Interpersonal Skill, Labelling Assessment, MedDRA Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Terminology, mRS and EQ-5D-5L., Narrative Writing, Research & Development, Technical Skill, Triage of ICSRs, WHO DD Coding

Company: Novartis
Novartis Official Website
Location: Hyderabad (Genome Valley / Office)
Employment Type: Full-time
Requisition ID: REQ-10076424
Application Deadline: May 26, 2026


1. Role Overview

The Senior Expert Drug Supply (Process Chemist) is responsible for managing early-phase small molecule drug substance development, from GLP toxicology batches through to first-in-human (FIH) supply.

The role focuses on process chemistry, GMP manufacturing oversight, and external partner (CDMO) management to ensure high-quality drug substance delivery for clinical development.


2. Core Responsibilities

A. Process Chemistry & Drug Substance Development

  • Manage early-phase chemical development projects (GLP tox to FIH supply)

  • Provide scientific guidance for small molecule drug substance scale-up

  • Support development of robust, scalable synthetic processes


B. External Manufacturing (CDMO) Management

  • Guide external manufacturing partners in planning and executing chemical production

  • Oversee GMP manufacturing activities including:

    • Master batch record (MBR) handling

    • Deviation management

    • Change control processes

  • Ensure compliance with regulatory and health authority expectations


C. Technical Oversight & Troubleshooting

  • Support daily operations at external manufacturing sites

  • Troubleshoot process and production issues in real time

  • Review technical and GMP-relevant documentation

  • Ensure timely delivery of drug substance materials


D. CMC & Regulatory Support

  • Contribute to CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing & Controls) documentation

  • Support regulatory submission content related to drug substance

  • Ensure documentation aligns with global regulatory expectations


E. Cross-Functional & External Collaboration

  • Act as liaison between internal teams and external partners (CDMOs)

  • Participate in drug substance project team discussions (internal & external)

  • Contribute to strategic planning of chemical development projects

  • Evaluate and onboard new external manufacturing partners


F. Systems, Data & Process Development

  • Support development of databases and documentation workflows

  • Improve document flow and data management processes within EPM unit

  • Contribute to scientific exchange forums internally and externally


3. Required Qualifications

Education

  • PhD or Master’s (M.Sc.) in Synthetic Organic Chemistry


Experience

  • 8–12 years of hands-on pharmaceutical industry experience

  • Strong background in:

    • Chemical development

    • GMP manufacturing (development and/or commercial scale)

    • Process scale-up from lab to plant

  • Experience in CDMO or external manufacturing environments preferred


Technical Knowledge

  • GMP manufacturing systems and documentation:

    • Tech transfer documents

    • Batch manufacturing records (BMR)

    • Deviation handling

    • CAPA systems


4. Core Skills

Scientific & Technical Skills

  • Process chemistry and scale-up

  • Drug substance manufacturing

  • GMP compliance and documentation

  • CMC regulatory support

  • Troubleshooting in manufacturing environments


Operational & Coordination Skills

  • External partner management (CDMO oversight)

  • Cross-site coordination (global + India operations)

  • Project execution and delivery accountability

  • Data/document workflow management


Behavioral Skills

  • Strong communication and coordination

  • High learning agility

  • Independent decision-making

  • Collaborative and solution-oriented mindset


5. Key Skill Areas (From JD Keywords)

  • Chemical Development & Process Chemistry

  • GMP Manufacturing & Compliance

  • CMC Documentation & Regulatory Support

  • Data Management (support systems & workflows)

  • External Partner (CDMO) Management

  • Pharmaceutical Scale-Up Operations


6. Organizational Context

This role sits within Global Drug Development (GDD) and Chemical & Analytical Development (CHAD), supporting early-phase clinical supply of small molecule drugs. It plays a critical role in bridging lab-scale chemistry and industrial manufacturing for clinical trial readiness.