Senior Process Chemist

FMC Corporation is a global leader in agricultural sciences, driven by our purpose: Innovation for Agriculture. Solutions for the Planet. We are passionate about the power of science to solve agriculture’s biggest challenges. With one of the most productive and diversified pipelines in the industry, FMC is delivering cutting-edge and next-generation crop protection technologies – including Dodhylex™ active, Isoflex™ active, rimisoxafen, and fluindapyr – to help farmers increase the productivity and resilience of their land. Our employees are at the heart of this innovation. We’re looking for bold thinkers and collaborative doers. At FMC, your ideas matter. From day one, you’ll contribute to meaningful work that drives progress in agriculture, supported by a culture that values integrity, safety, respect, and results. Join us in advancing the future of agriculture. Together, we’re building a more resilient planet – one innovation at a time.

Senior Process Chemist

Position Summary

The purpose of the role is to develop, optimize, and scale-up chemical processes for commercial production of agrochemical active ingredients (AIs) and intermediates. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in ensuring chemical processes are safe, efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable, while adhering to strict quality and regulatory standards. This position requires strong process and organic chemistry knowledge, analytical thinking, hands-on laboratory skills, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Production.

Location: Shanghai, Pudong

The Role:

• Develop, optimize, and scale up chemical processes from laboratory to pilot and full-scale production.
• Provide extensive chemistry knowledge and direction to identify opportunities and drive development work to improve yields, reduce costs, enhance robustness, sustainability and safety of chemical processes.
• Plan and prioritize experimental programs of experimental work extending over several months.
• Conduct laboratory work, including synthesis, process development and troubleshooting using appropriate chemical techniques and instrumentation.
• Analyse and interpret experimental and production data, carry out statistical analysis and experimental designs.
• Prepare and review technical documentation including process descriptions, batch records, risk assessments, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineering, quality assurance, EHS, and manufacturing to ensure seamless process transfer and implementation.
• Provide technical support during commissioning, validation, and routine manufacturing activities.
• Evaluate raw materials, intermediates, and final products for suitability and compliance with specifications.
• Ensure all laboratory and pilot work complies with company safety protocols and regulatory standards (e.g., GMP, ISO).
• Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory developments relevant to chemical processing and manufacturing.
• Ability to travel to domestic (up to 30%) and international (up to 10%) sites.

The Candidate:

• Must have at least a Master’s degree in chemistry; PhD in organic, mechanistic or process chemistry is preferable.
• Strong theoretical knowledge of organic, physical-organic and process chemistry.
• Experience working in process chemistry, development, scale-up of organic intermediates or products (> 6 years).
• Hands-on experience in synthetic organic chemistry and/or chemical process development.
• Proficiency with laboratory and analytical equipment and techniques (e.g. distillations, crystallizations, HPLC, GC, NMR, IR).
• Basic engineering principles and can incorporate into the process development.
• Ability to identify and analyse complex and diverse problems – using scientific methods, relevant scientific theory and data analysis.
• Appreciation of business drivers and ability to understand the impact of process technology on the supply chain and production.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.
• Strong communication and networking skills and a flair for team working.
• Commitment to continued personal and professional development.
• Experience with project management and line management is an advantage.

FMC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Employment decisions at FMC are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We value diversity and strive to ensure that our hiring and employment practices support a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.