Principal Scientist Chemistry, Small Molecule Process Development and Manufacturing

Biogen•Cambridge, MA

1d•$159,000 - $219,000

About The Position

Biogen is seeking a highly motivated and creative chemist to join its Small Molecule Chemical Development team. The role leads and mentors scientific and engineering teams in developing robust processes for synthesizing small molecules across multiple modalities, with experience spanning early- through late-phase drug development and the design and development of manufacturing processes for clinical and commercial therapeutics. The team comprises organic chemists and chemical engineers who design innovative processes to supply medicines to patients. Its work focuses on safe, economical, sustainable, cost-effective, and robust processes for clinical trials and new medicine launches, using first-principles science, data-driven decisions, and collaborative teamwork. The Principal Scientist leads experimental and project planning, develops process understanding and controls, supports the transition of processes from laboratory scale to manufacturing partners, and contributes to regulatory filings and CMC activities. The role also collaborates across scientific functions and with external research and manufacturing organizations, mentors colleagues, and represents Biogen in professional settings.

Requirements

Ph.D. with 8 or more years of relevant experience; or M.S. with 10 or more years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical or biotech settings; or B.S. with 12 or more years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical or biotech settings.
Strong background in the theory and practice of pharmaceutical chemistry.
Demonstrated understanding of route scouting and mechanistic experiments.
Experience with process characterization.
Familiarity with process safety and technology-transfer protocols.
Effective problem-solving skills.
Experience managing CDMOs.
Strong communication skills and the ability and desire to thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with piloting, manufacturing, and isolation of APIs across several modalities.
Familiarity with analytical tools and various purification techniques.

Responsibilities

Lead collaborative development with manufacturing teams to design and conduct laboratory experiments that optimize and characterize processes for Biogen assets, improving process understanding, robustness, and productivity.
Design and lead experimental planning to advance the Biogen portfolio and guide project teams in implementing safe, efficient, and robust chemical processes for drug candidates.
Mentor less experienced staff and promote the use of key laboratory instrumentation.
Develop fundamental process knowledge to support the transfer of chemical and biochemical processes from laboratory scale to manufacturing partners.
Collaborate with Process Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Solid Form, Oligo, and Separations colleagues to develop knowledge and controls for clinical material supply and process characterization supporting regulatory filings.
Communicate project research results effectively in team meetings and engage in CMC activities, including authoring CMC sections of INDs.
Interact with Contract Research and Manufacturing Organizations as project needs evolve; this may include travel.
Initiate innovative research projects to improve fundamental understanding and control of Biogen processes.
Represent Biogen externally in consortia and conferences.
Engage, mentor, and prepare future leaders.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Fitness and wellness programs, including fitness reimbursement.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
At least 15 days of paid vacation and end-of-year shutdown time off from December 26 through December 31.
Up to 12 company-paid holidays and 3 paid days off for Personal Significance.
80 hours of sick time per calendar year.
Paid maternity and parental leave.
401(k) program with company-matched contributions.
Employee stock purchase plan.
Tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per calendar year.
Employee Resource Groups participation.
Short-term and long-term incentives, including cash bonus and equity incentive opportunities.