Chemical Development Senior Scientist III

Cambrex•Charles City, IA

21d

About The Position

The Chemical Development Senior Scientist III optimizes existing chemical routes and develops alternative chemistry for key synthetic intermediates and APIs. The role carries out multistep chemical synthesis, product isolation, and purification in a laboratory, independently or as part of an integrated team. The scientist uses modern analytical tools to determine product identity and purity, communicates with clients in regular team meetings, and prepares R&D reports at project completion. The position requires independent project coordination with regular manager check-ins, collaboration with manufacturing and GMP operations, and participation in technical, operational excellence, and site-level initiatives. The scientist also works with hazardous materials and wastes and must follow the company’s chemical hygiene and safety practices.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field with at least 4 years of experience; or M.S. in Chemistry or a related field with at least 8 years of experience; or B.S. in Chemistry or a related field with 12 years of laboratory experience.
Strong understanding of organic chemistry principles and process development.
Higher-level understanding of cross-functional disciplines, including analytical chemistry and engineering.
Demonstrated understanding of industrial GMP and its practical application, including ability to help identify regulatory-compliance risks or site SOP violations.
Ability to use HPLC and NMR, investigate root-cause issues involving these instruments, and a good understanding of mass spectrometry.
Basic understanding of modern organic synthesis methodologies and fundamental understanding of modern analytical and spectroscopic techniques; ability to interpret corresponding data and spectra may be required.
Demonstrated ability to scale up pharmaceutical processes.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to lead investigations.
Ability to manage project timelines and work efficiently, handling projects without supervision while maintaining regular manager check-ins.
Good written and oral communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, including ability to communicate with clients without manager supervision.
Ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment.
Ability to author and review key technical documents with minimal right-first-time errors and maintain a laboratory notebook using GDP.
Appropriate qualifications to read, understand, apply, and communicate written and verbal information related to hazardous-waste handling and management.
Hazardous materials and waste training is required within six months of assuming duty and annually thereafter.

Nice To Haves

Pharmaceutical experience is preferred.
Experience with automated reactors.
Some experience with in-situ reaction monitoring.

Responsibilities

Carry out multistep organic syntheses, isolation, and purification of targeted products under the supervision or direction of a senior team member.
Conduct laboratory syntheses and purification on scales ranging from milligrams to several kilograms.
Coordinate project activities and resource usage with minimal supervision.
Prepare comprehensive reports for internal and customer use at project conclusion.
With manager review, assist in advising clients on key regulatory guidance.
Promote teamwork and cooperation within the group.
Conduct laboratory operations safely, maintain familiarity with the company’s chemical hygiene plan, and follow safe work practices.
Work with manufacturing and GMP operations to coordinate project-related equipment and activities.
Handle hazardous materials and wastes; recognize related emergency situations and appropriately understand, apply, and communicate handling and management information.
Communicate with clients and lead local project teams toward desired outcomes.
Author and review technical documents, maintain a current laboratory notebook in accordance with GDP, and write new SOPs with manager assistance.
Participate in operational excellence initiatives and support implementation of Cambrex System changes and initiatives.
Share ideas and learning across the group and site, and advance new initiatives.