Associate API Chemist (12 month term)

Job summary

Perform bench-scale API synthesis, optimize reactions, troubleshoot procedures, and document experimental results while supporting process development and scale-up toward pilot and GMP-ready production. Research relevant scientific literature and patents, prepare technical summaries, and collaborate with chemistry, manufacturing, and operations teams.

Job details

Optimi is a Canadian Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliant pharmaceutical drug manufacturer licensed by Health Canada for the handling of controlled substances and GMP production. The focus of the company is on pharmaceutical-grade psychedelics, including MDMA and naturally derived psilocybin products. From facilities in Princeton, British Columbia and operating under a Drug Establishment License from Health Canada, Optimi supplies active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished dosage forms to regulated channels, with products currently in market for prescription use in Australia via the Authorized Prescriber Scheme and clinical trials in Israel, as well as accessible in Canada through the Special Access Program. Optimi also has an active Cannabis Analytical Testing License through Health Canada. We are seeking an Associate API Chemist to join Optimi Health on a 12-month contract basis, working on the development of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis process. This role is well suited to a recent MSc or PhD graduate in synthetic organic chemistry who wants hands-on training in API process development. The successful candidate will execute bench-scale synthesis, support scale-up activities, and assist with literature, regulatory and intellectual property (IP) research, learning the full path from bench to pilot scale under the guidance of an experienced process chemist. This is an on-site, lab-based role at our Princeton, BC facility. Responsibilities: Process Development & Synthesis: Execute synthetic procedures and reaction optimization experiments for the target API Perform hands-on bench-scale synthesis, work-ups, and purifications, and troubleshooting to help establish a robust, reproducible process Collect and summarize data on reaction parameters, yields, purity, and impurity profiles Ensure development path meets regulatory and safety requirements for APIs in humans Maintain detailed, accurate laboratory notebooks and experimental records for all synthesis and process development work Scale-Up Support: Assist with technology transfer and scale-up activities, including preparing batch records and supporting pilot-scale runs Help gather information on equipment, reagent handling, and process adaptations needed to move from bench to larger-scale production Work with manufacturing and operations personnel to support the transfer of the bench-scale process into a scalable, GMP-ready process Intellectual Property & Literature Research: Conduct literature and patent searches related to the synthetic process and target molecules Summarize relevant patents and scientific literature, highlighting existing IP and possible alternative process routes for team review Document research findings to support IP discussions led by company leadership and/or external legal counsel Flag potentially novel process observations from lab work that may warrant IP evaluation Documentation & Reporting: Prepare experimental summaries, data tables, and draft technical reports for review Maintain records of sufficient detail and quality to support potential future regulatory filings and patent applications Provide regular progress updates to the Lead API Chemist and participate in project meetings Key Requirements: To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate should possess the following qualifications and skills: Education: Master's degree or PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline (recent graduates encouraged to apply) Experience: Hands-on multi-step synthetic organic chemistry experience gained through graduate research, co-op, or industry work Exposure to process chemistry, scale-up, or a pharmaceutical, biotech, or GMP/regulated environment is an asset Familiarity with literature and patent databases (e.g., SciFinder, Reaxys) is an asset Skills: Solid synthetic organic chemistry lab technique and a sound understanding of reaction mechanisms; interest in learning process chemistry and scale-up Ability to carefully execute experiments to protocol, interpret results, and take direction from a senior chemist Good literature research skills Excellent documentation and record-keeping practices Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly report technical findings to internal stakeholders Ability to work within a shared GMP facility following SOPs and safety requirements Eagerness to learn, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to lab safety Additional Responsibilities: In addition to the primary responsibilities, the Associate API Chemist may be required to perform the following duties: Work on-site at the Optimi Health facility performing hands-on synthesis work and collaborating with internal teams Work under a defined contract scope, completing assigned tasks and deliverables Maintain strict confidentiality of all proprietary process, formulation, and IP-related information, and assign all work product and IP developed under the engagement to Optimi Health in accordance with the executed contract/consulting agreement Compensation Annual salary range of C$75 - 100k depending on experience Accommodations While appreciate all those who apply, only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted

What you’ll do

Perform bench-scale API synthesis, optimize reactions, troubleshoot procedures, and document experimental results while supporting process development and scale-up toward pilot and GMP-ready production. Research relevant scientific literature and patents, prepare technical summaries, and collaborate with chemistry, manufacturing, and operations teams.

Requirements

A master's degree or PhD in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related discipline is sought, along with hands-on multi-step synthetic organic chemistry experience. Candidates should have strong laboratory technique, careful documentation and communication skills, and an interest in process chemistry; experience with scale-up, regulated environments, or literature and patent databases is an asset.

Listed skills

• Technical Reporting · Preferred
• Regulatory Compliance · Preferred
• Troubleshooting · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Synthetic Organic Chemistry
• Bench-Scale Synthesis
• Reaction Optimization
• Process Chemistry
• Scale-Up
• Purification
• Troubleshooting
• Laboratory Documentation
• Literature Research
• Patent Research
• GMP Compliance
• Regulatory Compliance
• Technical Reporting
• Batch Records
• Laboratory Safety

Job areas

• Science & Research
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare

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