Associate Research Scientist/Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry R&D

United Therapeutics Corporation • Silver Spring, MD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

As an Associate/Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry, you’ll be a critical scientific partner at the intersection of discovery, development, and scale‑up—helping transform complex chemistry into therapies that can change lives. In this role, you’ll work side‑by‑side with synthetic chemists to develop and execute advanced analytical methods, generate high‑quality data, and solve real‑world challenges tied to route selection, impurity control, and process understanding. You’ll bring clarity to complexity by interpreting chromatographic data, supporting tech transfer and GMP readiness, and ensuring analytical rigor from early research through manufacturing. If you enjoy being hands‑on in the lab, thinking deeply about data, and collaborating across teams to move innovative science forward, you’ll find both purpose and momentum here The Associate/Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry supports a team of synthetic chemists by developing and executing various analytical (LC, GC, SFC, KF etc.) methods to solve complex research problems such as route scouting, process understanding, scale-up and impurity isolation/purification. This role also partners with QC, and external vendors to develop robust analytical methods, generate high-quality data, to ensure analytical readiness for scale-up, tech transfer and GMP manufacturing.

Requirements

• Associate Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry R&D 5+ years of relevant chemistry experience in pharmaceutical industry with a Bachelor's degree or 3+ years of relevant chemistry experience in pharmaceutical industry with a Master's degree or 0+ years of relevant chemistry experience in pharmaceutical industry with a PhD
• Foundational understanding of chromatographic techniques (LC, GC, SFC) and associated detection technologies (UV, ELSD, CAD, MS, FID), sufficient to execute established analytical methods independently
• Ability to trend and interpret chromatography data to provide actionable insights (reaction completion, chiral selectivity, impurity profiles, purge trends) and communicate results clearly to synthetic chemists
• Ability to operate, calibrate and maintain various laboratory instruments and related computers by interacting with other departments IT/OT for basic troubleshooting
• Ability to coordinate vendor service activities (PM visits, repairs, column selection) and assist with obtaining quotes/purchase for columns, consumables, and chemicals
• Ability to contribute to technical documentation such as development summaries, experiment records, and method notes; contribute to invention disclosures as needed
• Ability to utilize scientific literature for accomplishing research assignment objectives
• Research Scientist, Analytical Chemistry R&D 8+ years of relevant chemistry experience in pharmaceutical industry with a Bachelor's degree or 6+ years of relevant chemistry experience in pharmaceutical industry with a Master's degree or 2+ years of relevant chemistry experience in pharmaceutical industry with a PhD
• Experience in independently leading analytical investigations, hands-on experience with HPLC/UPLC/GC method development, troubleshooting and common sample prep techniques
• Working knowledge of LC–MS (TOF) for mass-based compound characterization
• Ability to interpret analytical data in the context of chemical process development
• Sound knowledge of chromatography software: Waters Empower, Agilent MassHunter, Thermo Scientific Chromeleon and Waters ChromScope
• Clear technical writing and data storytelling (chromatogram stacking, overlays, etc.)
• Comfortable in fast-paced R&D environments with shifting priorities
• Experience with chiral analysis/method development (chiral HPLC and/or SFC) is highly preferred

Nice To Haves

• Ability to analyze materials from external vendors/CDMOs using transferred procedures; confirm compliance with method requirements and report deviations
• Ability to ensure data quality and adherence to internal policies and scientific standards
• Proficient with MS Office, ChemDraw, and SciFinder
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in chemistry or related discipline
• Sound knowledge of MS Office, ChemDraw, and SciFinder
• Experience supporting API process development (route scouting and kilo lab)
• Experience with CAD detectors and SFC
• Experience working with external CDMOs and reviewing vendor analytical packages
• Familiarity with KF, NMR, FTIR
• Familiarity with regulatory expectations for early to late-stage development (ICH concepts, specs setting and CMC support)

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with synthetic chemists to support isolation and characterization of API, impurities, intermediates, and markers using preparative techniques such as prep‑HPLC and SFC while meeting assigned project timelines
• Execute established analytical methods for chromatographic techniques including LC, GC, and SFC using appropriate detection such as UV, ELSD, CAD, MS, and FID
• Trend and interpret chromatography data to provide actionable insights including reaction completion, chiral selectivity, impurity profiles, and purge trends, and communicate results clearly to synthetic chemists
• Analyze samples or materials from vendors according to established or transferred analytical procedures
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments and associated computer systems by coordinating with groups such as IT and OT for basic troubleshooting
• Coordinate vendor service activities including preventive maintenance, repairs, and column selection, and assist with obtaining quotes or making purchases for columns, consumables, and chemicals
• Author and review technical documentation such as analytical reports, method SOPs, method development summaries, investigations, and data packages for method transfer
• Contribute to technical documentation such as development summaries, experiment records, method notes, and invention disclosures as needed
• Ensure data quality and adherence to internal policies and scientific standards
• Review data packages such as method development reports and protocols from other departments and vendors
• Utilize scientific literature to support execution of research assignment objectives
• Drive improvements in analytical throughput and lab efficiency
• Support safety practices, chemical hygiene, and waste management while applying principles of sustainability

Benefits

• Eligible employees may participate in the Company’s comprehensive benefits suite of programs, including medical / dental / vision / prescription coverage, employee wellness resources, savings plans (401k and ESPP), paid time off & paid parental leave benefits, disability benefits, and more.
• For additional information on Company benefits, please visit https://www.unither.com/careers/benefits-and-amenities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree