Roberto Ballette, PhD

R&D Scientific Manager - API Development

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

About

Experienced R&D Scientific Manager with a passion for driving pharmaceutical innovation and process excellence. Skilled in leading high-performing teams, aligning technical development with IP strategy, and turning complex challenges into scalable solutions. My work focuses on the development of new synthetic routes, off-patent process optimization, and CDMO project management, consistently driving R&D efforts to advance API innovation.

Experience

  • Moehs Iberica (9 yrs 2 mos)
    • R&D Scientific Manager - API Development
      Feb 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 6 mos

      As Research and Development Manager at Moehs, I lead a team of 8 chemists developing innovative, cost-effective synthesis routes for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). My work bridges CDMO activities and internal pipeline development, including off-patent APIs and recently FDA/EMA-approved compounds. I focus on translating complex chemical challenges into robust, scalable processes, applying strong process understanding and Quality by Design (QbD) principles to ensure reliability and efficiency. In parallel, I contribute to innovation strategies aligned with evolving IP landscapes and regulatory expectations. In addition to technical leadership, I ensure rigorous API compliance, manage client communications within CDMO projects, and report directly to the CTO, supporting R&D initiatives that drive company growth. Connect with me to explore opportunities in API innovation.

    • Senior Process Chemist
      Jun 2017 - Feb 2023 · 5 yrs 9 mos

      Responsible for directing technical aspects of API’s process development and manufacturing, including: synthesis, scale-up, manufacturing support and process improvements.

  • Research Scientist at PharmaMar
    Apr 2016 - Jun 2017 · 1 yr 3 mos

    Scientist in the Chemical Processes department: total synthesis and investigation of biologically active marine complex molecules as antitumor agents.

  • Research Scientist at The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
    Sep 2014 - Apr 2016 · 1 yr 8 mos

    Scientist in the Neuroscience Medicinal Chemistry Group: synthesis of complex molecules as potential drugs in the area of Central Nervous System.

  • Postdoctoral Researcher at SINTEFARMA
    May 2014 - Sep 2014 · 5 mos

    Synthesis and characterization of organic compounds