These professionals work in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry developing synthesis processes, using organic and inorganic chemical products to produce active principles endowed with certain physical and chemical properties. They are capable of chemically manipulating a molecule in the laboratory through synthesis methodologies with the aim of modifying its properties and improving its behaviour.

Therefore, they work in the laboratory on the design, synthesis and evaluation of bioactive molecules and processes of interest to the pharmaceutical industry, performing functions related to the development, optimisation and scale-up of processes for the synthesis of new products, the improvement of synthetic routes and existing products, the drafting of reports and methodologies related to the technology developed for its transfer to the pilot plant and production unit level.

Drugs and medicines obtained through synthetic chemistry techniques currently constitute a major part of the therapeutic compendium, as new processes and synthesis methodologies have emerged in recent years that allow access to a deeper knowledge of molecular reactivity and the availability of new reagents.

Initially, these professionals studied simple chemical modifications of naturally occurring molecules, but nowadays the interactions of drugs with their target molecules are studied. This increased sophistication is attributed to the development of organic chemistry, as well as the development of molecular biology and genetic engineering, which allow a detailed study of the pharmacological action of target molecules and the characteristics of the active ingredients.

In recent years, novel products and applications have emerged thanks to the development of new synthetic processes and methodologies, a deeper understanding of molecular reactivity and the availability of new commercial reagents and protecting groups. In addition, the development of asymmetric synthesis, organometallic compounds, photochemistry and especially combinatorial synthesis has made organic synthesis a seemingly indispensable machine for supplying structures to industry.

• Design, synthesise and evaluate bioactive molecules in a good laboratory practice environment.
• Responsible for the scale-up and production of new products through the application of the most appropriate synthesis processes.
• Control the operational aspects of all process-related equipment.
• Analyse raw materials arriving at the laboratory.
• Perform studies on pre-synthesis steps and post-process purification.
• Draft the synthesis methods in the corresponding protocols, generating and maintaining internal standard operating procedures and their specifications. Document all production incidents and develop regulatory compliance studies.
• Perform quality controls of the product batch before it is sent to the next stage.
• Maintain adequate knowledge of market availability of raw materials, reagents, solvents, resins and other products and conduct supplier research in collaboration with the purchasing department.
• Interact with the R&D team, thereby obtaining information on the acquisition of compounds, assisting in the chemical evaluation of new projects and giving their opinion on their potential success.
• In collaboration with the research team, design new chemical products and new synthetic methodologies for product preparation, applying computer tools, structure-activity relationships and literature research.
• Carry out studies on the modification of existing synthetic processes to minimise waste or by-products.
• Perform studies relating to the modification of existing synthetic processes in order to minimise waste or by-products.
• Responsible for the development of the synthesis of new products on a laboratory scale and the impurities obtained in the process.
• Coordinate the analysis and quantification of the products obtained by the spectroscopic and chromatographic studies, based on the isolation and identification of the structure of impurities and polymorphism studies.
• Optimise macroscopic parameters of the synthetic process and handle the production of small batches of high value-added products on a preparatory scale.
• Supervise the work of laboratory technicians and production operators and the use of equipment to the synthesis and analysis process.
• Draft reports and methodologies related to the technology developed for transfer to the pilot plant.
• Participate in the scale-up phase to pilot plant equipment to produce batches of products using GMP standards, and in the transfer of the processes developed in industrial production.
• Publish the results obtained in international journals and make presentations at conferences. This step is normally done after securing patent protection for the new product or methodology.
  

Regulated training and graduates

• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Health - Advanced level: Clinical and biomedical laboratory, professional profile in research
• Grau: Bioquímica
• Grau: Bioquímica i biologia molecular
• Grau: Biotecnologia
• Grau: Química
• Grau: Enginyeria química
• Grau: Farmàcia

Complementary training

• Complementary courses in organic synthesis, biotechnology, combinatorial chemistry and structural characterisation.
• Proficiency in isolation, separation and purification techniques, especially chromatographic and spectroscopic.
• Knowledge of experimental design and optimisation and scaling up of synthesis processes.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics and molecular modelling.
• Knowledge with the use and applications of robots and automated instrumentation.
• Knowledge of clinical trials and data analysis.
• Extensive knowledge of good manufacturing and laboratory practice regulations.
  

Other specific skills

• Advanced level of spoken and written English, sufficient to translate specific bibliography and participate in international events and collaborations.
• Good writing skills to describe the research carried out.
• Advanced knowledge of scientific literature.
• Experience in handling scientific instrumentation.
  

Learning and use of knowledge: Level 3

People management: Level 2

Analytical thought: Level 3

Concern for order and quality: Level 4

Team work and cooperation: Level 2

Mechanical handling

People related to the field of mechanical handling are interested in the assembly, maintenance, repair and use of machines, tools and installations. Some good examples of professional activities in the field of mechanical handling are adjusting and configuring machines, reviewing technical equipment to detect incidents in their operation, handling machinery in production processes and driving specialised vehicles.

Scientific research

Individuals who have an affinity for the field of scientific research focus their interest on activities that study different types of organisms and substances in order to obtain valuable products for human beings. A key part of performing this task is the planning and verification of scientific hypotheses through the use of different research designs and techniques. The objective of these searches is the development of new medicines and medical techniques, technological innovation based on the manipulation of cells, molecules and biological agents, as well as the study of cultures in order to improve the characteristics and properties of plants and food.

Study manager

Chemical synthesis and scaling specialist

Pharmaceutical chemist

Chemical Laboratory Technician

Peptide and oligonucleotide synthesis specialist

• Work hours

  Full-time job, either split shift or full day's work with no lunch break. The daily working hours are usually flexible, as it is sometimes necessary to work outside the normal working hours, especially when synthesis projects are nearing completion. Attendance at congresses, symposia and seminars, which involve intensive days away from the workplace, is also normal.
  
  

• Salary

  The average salary of this occupation depends on the experience and value provided. It is normally between 18,377 and 26,656 euros gross per year, which may be higher depending on the type of work centre and its multinational nature. The average salary is around 22,516 euros gross per year.
  
  

• Professional category

  Middle management