Scientist III, Synthetics Laboratory

USP; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

USP seeks a Scientist III to lead the synthesis of USP Reference Standard candidate materials and API impurities. The role involves planning synthetic strategies, literature searches, and executing multi-scale synthesis from milligram to kilogram levels.

You will ensure quality, safety, and timely project completion while adhering to QMS and lab policies. Candidate will collaborate with teams to deliver targeted materials, prepare technical reports, and communicate progress to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry with 0–3 years post-doc/industrial API R&D experience.
• MSc in Organic Chemistry with 6–8 years industrial API R&D experience.
• Strong background in synthetic organic chemistry and spectral data interpretation (IR/NMR/HPLC/Mass).
• Ability to independently search literature and design, optimize and develop synthetic processes for APIs.

Responsibilities

• Carry out literature search related to assigned projects using scientific databases.
• Design synthetic routes for target small molecules and prepare proposals with tentative cost estimates.
• Perform synthesis and isolation of API impurities and reference standards materials.
• Plan, execute and complete projects as per timelines and document experiments per QMS.

Skills

Literature search

Synthesis design

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Team player

Lab safety

Spectral data interpretation

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

MSc in Organic Chemistry

Tools

IR/NMR

Mass spectrometry

HPLC

Job description

At USP, we value inclusive scientific collaboration and recognize that attracting diverse expertise strengthens our ability to develop trusted public health standards. We foster an organizational culture that supports equitable access to mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities. Our partnerships, standards, and research reflect our belief that ensuring broad participation in scientific leadership results in stronger, more impactful outcomes for global health.

USP is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer (EEOE) and is committed to ensuring fair, merit-based selection processes that enable the best scientific minds—regardless of background—to contribute to advancing public health solutions worldwide. We provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and uphold policies that create an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Brief Job Overview

The incumbent will be responsible for the synthesis and delivery of USP Reference Standard candidate materials and API impurities through the design and development of safe, efficient, and cost-effective synthetic routes. The role involves conducting comprehensive literature searches using scientific databases, planning synthetic strategies, and executing the synthesis of target molecules from milligram to multigram/kilogram scale. The candidate will be expected to ensure the timely completion of assigned projects, prepare technical reports, effectively communicate project progress to stakeholders, and collaborate closely with team members to achieve project objectives. In addition, the individual must adhere to Quality Management System (QMS) requirements and follow laboratory safety policies.

How will YOU create impact here at USP?

As part of our mission to advance scientific rigor and public health standards, you will play a vital role in increasing global access to high-quality medicines through public standards and related programs. USP prioritizes scientific integrity, regulatory excellence, and evidence-based decision-making to ensure health systems worldwide can rely on strong, tested, and globally relevant quality standards.

Additionally, USP’s People and Culture division, in partnership with the Equity Office, invests in leadership and workforce development to equip all employees with the skills to create high-performing, inclusive teams. This includes training in equitable management practices and tools to promote engaged, collaborative, and results-driven work environments.

The [Scientist III] has the following responsibilities:

• Carry out literature search related to assigned projects using various scientific data base.
• Design synthetic routes for the target small molecules. Prepare project proposals with tentative cost estimates.
• Perform synthesis & isolation of API impurities and reference standards candidate materials
• Procure key raw materials and reagents required for the project
• Perform the reactions in small as well as large scale in the lab for the synthesis of target compounds
• Purification of compounds through various techniques such as crystallization, column chromatography, and advanced flash purification systems.
• Troubleshooting synthesis and purification issues independently
• Contributing effectively towards more challenging and complex projects through innovative synthetic methodologies
• Ensuring the availability of chemicals and equipment required for the projects and forward the purchase requisitions
• Interpretation of analytical data of synthesized compounds by IR, NMR, Mass Spectra, Elemental analysis etc.
• Contribute to organizational initiatives
• Produce quality materials as per customer requirement
• Packaging of synthesized compounds
• Plan, execute and complete the projects as per the timelines
• Document all experiments conducted as per QMS guidelines.
• Responsible for preparation of SOPs, Protocols, reports etc. as per the need
• Responsible for ensuring the calibration of equipment as per the schedule
• Periodic check of the assigned equipment to ensure its working condition
• Responsible for preparing, executing and completing IQ/OQ/PQ of new instruments as assigned
• Work on any other assigned tasks/ lab management activities.
• Conversant with lab safety norms and strictly follow them.
• Communicate within the team and cross functional teams
• Learn and practice USP’s Equity Equals Excellence (EEE)

Who is USP Looking For?

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of our mission, commitment to excellence through inclusive and equitable behaviors and practices, ability to quickly build credibility with stakeholders, along with the following competencies and experience:

• Ph.D (Full Time) in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from a reputed group with 0-3years of post doctoral and/or industrial research experience in API Process R&D/CDMO/CRO

(Or)

M Sc (Organic Chemistry) from a reputed university with minimum 6-8 years of industrial experience in API Process R&D/CDMO/CRO

• Strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, Interpretation of spectral data of compounds based on IR, NMR, HPLC, Mass, Elemental analysis and other analysis.
• Ability to independently search literature and design, optimize and develop synthetic processes for any given target molecules/APIs.
• Hands on experience in process development of diverse chemical entities on lab scale
• Proven ability for adoption of QMS and documentation procedure
• Adherence to lab safety guidelines
• Excellent troubleshooting skills in synthesis and purification of target compounds.
• Should possess good verbal and written communication skills.
• Should possess good organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability as a team player

Additional Desired Preferences

Desired preferences include highlighting any additional preferred levels of expertise for the role—reminder: items listed here are not requirements and do not disqualify a candidate from consideration.

• Extensive knowledge of a wide range of organic reactions and hands on experience in handling various sensitive chemicals/reagents.
• Track record of patents/ publications in synthetic organic chemistry/ process development.
• Should have exposure to GMP/GLP environment and documentation procedures.
• Attention to detail, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a member of a team with a passion for quality

Supervisory Responsibilities

None, this is an individual contributor role.

USP provides the benefits to protect yourself and your family today and tomorrow. From company-paid time off and comprehensive healthcare options to retirement savings, you can have peace of mind that your personal and financial well-being is protected.

Note: USP does not accept unsolicited resumes from 3rd party recruitment agencies and is not responsible for fees from recruiters or other agencies except under specific written agreement