Principal Scientist in API Development

Application deadline:
Novenber 10th, 2025

Location:
Ballerup 2750, Denmark, Denmark

Contract type:
Permanent

Job ID:
3537

Are you a passionate chemist with a knack for innovation and a drive to make a difference in the pharmaceutical industry? If you are ready to take on a challenging role, read on to discover more about this exciting opportunity
At LEO Pharma, you will join a dedicated and innovative API Development team, which is part of an area focused on both drug substance development and the maintenance and advancement of drug substances for commercialized products. We are part of the VP area – Pharmaceutical Development (PD).

Our team is committed to excellence and works collaboratively to achieve our goals. You will have the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals from various disciplines, including PD, QA, Regulatory Affairs, Project Management, Business Development, Science, Search & Innovation (SSI), Procurement, and CDMO/CMOs. Together, we strive to make a significant impact on patients' lives by developing cutting-edge pharmaceutical solutions.

Your role
As a Principal Scientist/Senior Scientist at LEO Pharma, you will play a pivotal role in the development and scale-up of chemical processes both internally and externally. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading process development and technology transfer projects.
• Route Design and Process Development: Drive and plan route scouting and process development for CMC projects, focusing on transitioning projects from lab scale to pilot scale or CDMO´s.
• Project Management: Lead and manage process development activities, including the transfer of drug candidates to pilot plant manufacturing.
• Technical Expertise: Serve as an area specialist in route design and early route scouting, providing guidance and setting directions for project teams.
• Process Optimization: Perform synthesis, purification, and characterization of active substances, and optimize new chemical processes from laboratory scale to kilo-scale and pilot scale.
• Documentation and Compliance: Prepare and review project documentation, ensuring compliance with safety and GMP standards.
• Representing DS in cross-functional teams.

In addition to your work in drug substance development, you will also have the opportunity to contribute to the marketed product portfolio. Our close collaboration between API development and MSAT API process and synthesis chemists ensures that you will play a key role in optimizing and supporting processes for existing products.

Furthermore, you will be responsible for patenting innovative new inventions, writing regulatory documentation for clinical trials and new drug applications, participating in the maintenance of equipment and laboratory facilities, and ensuring compliance with safety and GMP standards.

Who are you?
A curious and flexible mindset, with a drive for results and a collaborative, team-player attitude, will be advantageous for this role. Innovative and creative thinking to contribute to our mission of advancing healthcare is also highly valued.

Your qualifications:

• An MSc/PhD in Organic Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field with a focus on small molecules.
• 5+ years of experience in a similar role within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience in outsourcing and coordinating activities with CMO/CROs.
• Solid planning and structuring skills demonstrated together with project management experience.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English, both spoken and written.

You will be at the forefront of developing and scaling up chemical processes that directly contribute to the creation of new pharmaceutical products. Your work will have a tangible impact on patients' lives by advancing healthcare solutions.

Contact and application
For additional information, please contact Birgitte Wenzell Olesen, Director, MSAT and DS Development at -

We will be processing applications on a continuous basis, so apply via the online portal as soon as possible.

We hope to hear from you

Beyond the skin
Join LEO Pharma, a global leader in medical dermatology, as we go beyond the skin to make a lasting impact. Our innovative approach sets us apart. We are dedicated to leaving a legacy that positively impacts patients, colleagues, and our planet.
At LEO Pharma, we believe in the power of individuals to drive change. Our flat organizational structure empowers you to make a visible impact and offers versatile roles for professional growth. We value diversity and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, recognizing that our different perspectives, backgrounds, and attitudes enable us to make the best decisions. Join our passionate team at LEO Pharma and be yourself as we work together to make a difference.
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