Analytical Development, Principal Scientist

Cambrex Corp.; Charles City (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambrex Corporation seeks a Principal Scientist I to provide analytical development support for API substances and intermediates. The role involves method development, transfer to QC, and ensuring GMP compliance across multiple project teams.

Responsibilities include validating analytical methods, instrument troubleshooting, and writing technical documentation. Strong leadership, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration are essential in this fast‑paced, quality‑driven environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with minimum 8 years of experience.
• MS with 10+ years of experience in lab/pharma environment.
• B.S. with 12+ years of experience; pharma experience preferred.
• Transfer processes to commercial scale manufacturing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication/interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Safely develop, establish, and validate analytical testing methodologies for raw materials, intermediates, and final products.
• Participate in teams to investigate analytical issues within Analytical Development, Chemical Development, Process Support Group and Quality Control.
• Perform analytical chemistry assays based on new and existing methodologies.
• Operate analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC, GC/MS, FTIR, Titrator, Particle Size Analyzer.
• Write technical reports documenting analytical methods and maintain lab notebooks.
• Maintain GMP SOP compliance and DEA regulations; transfer methods to QC and Process Support.
• Coordinate off-site testing and qualify reference materials.
• Lead investigations and drive problem solving within projects as needed.

Skills

Analytical Chemistry Knowledge

Cross Discipline Knowledge

GMP/Regulatory Knowledge

Instrumentation

Communication

Problem Solving

Time Management

Leadership

Technical Documentation

External Influence

Industry Credibility

Operational Excellence

Change Orientation

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field

M.S. in Chemistry or related field

B.S. in Chemistry or related field

Tools

HPLC

GC

MS

FTIR

Titrator

Particle Size Analyzer

Job description

Company Information

You Matter to Cambrex.

Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance development and manufacturing across the entire drug lifecycle, as well as comprehensive analytical and IND enabling services.

With over 40 years of experience and a team of 2,000 experts servicing global clients from North America and Europe, Cambrex offers a range of specialized drug substance technologies and capabilities, including continuous flow, controlled substances, liquid‑phase peptide synthesis, solid‑state science, material characterization, and highly potent APIs.

Your Work Matters.

• engage in work that matters to our customers and the patients they serve
• learn new skills and enjoy new experiences in an engaging and safe environment
• strengthen connections with coworkers and the community

We’re committed to attracting and nurturing a passionate team of valued professionals in our fast‑paced and growing company. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare, life insurance, planning for retirement, and more!

Your Future Matters.

Known for our customer‑focused scientific and manufacturing excellence, as well as our strong commitment to quality and safety, we offer a range of career and growth opportunities across our global network of locations. Together with our customers, we aim to improve the quality of life for patients around the world.

Job Overview

The Principal Scientist I will provide technical support for multiple project teams. This individual will evaluate and interpret analytical results, develop, validate and transfer analytical methods for APIs, API intermediates and raw materials. Strict compliance with cGMP guidelines is required to perform most job tasks.

Responsibilities

• Safely and effectively develop, establish, and validate analytical testing methodologies used to control raw materials, production intermediates, and final products
• Actively participate in teams assembled to investigate and solve analytical technical issues within Analytical Development, Chemical Development, Process Support Group and Quality Control.
• Perform analytical chemistry assays based on new and existing methodologies
• Operate analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, GC, GC/MS, FTIR, Titrator, Particle Size Analyzer
• Write technical reports to document analytical methods
• Maintain laboratory notebooks documenting work
• Maintain compliance with GMP SOPs and DEA regulations
• Transfer documented analytical methods to the QC and Process Support Group departments
• Set up new or existing analytical methods for compound identification, purity and potency testing.
• Coordinate off‑site testing as necessary
• Conduct testing of analytical samples for the Chemical Development Department as needed.
• Qualify reference materials.
• May also perform other duties as required.

Qualifications/Skills

Analytical Chemistry Knowledge: Beginning to demonstrate an understanding of advanced theories in Analytical Chemistry and method development.

Cross Discipline Knowledge: Higher level understanding of the principles of cross‑functional departments, including organic chemistry and engineering.

GMP/Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of industrial GMP and practical application to Cambrex programs; Some ability to provide feedback to clients re: clinical strategy.

Instrumentation: Advanced knowledge of HPLC, GC, MS, and ability to train and troubleshoot problems with equipment (and help others).

Communication: Good written and oral communication skills, ability to communicate with clients without manager supervision.

Problem Solving: Strong demonstration of problem solving, ability to lead investigations.

Time Management: Able to maintain timeline of key activities and use time efficiently; ability to handle projects without supervision though requires regular check in with manager.

Leadership: Regularly seeks to share ideas and learning across the group/site; pushes new initiatives from the ground up.

Technical Documentation and Review: Ability to author and review key technical documents with minimal RFT errors. Can write new SOP with manager assistance.

External Influence: Ability to lead project teams and steer clients to desired outcomes; ability to work with management to develop key local laboratory‑based initiatives.

Industry Credibility and Rapport: Recognized scientific leader within the Cambrex organization, locally and possibly beginning to extend to other sites.

Operational Excellence: Actively participates in key operational excellence initiatives.

Change Orientation: Active participation and support for implementation of Cambrex system level changes/initiatives.

Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with minimum 8 years of experience or M.S. in Chemistry or related field with minimum 10 years of experience or B.S. degree in Chemistry or related field with 12 years of experience in lab environment, pharmaceutical experience preferred.

Demonstrated ability to transfer processes to commercial scale manufacturing.

Excellent verbal and written communication/interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and the ability to work in a diverse team environment are essential.

Cambrex is committed to providing a safe and productive work environment. All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a comprehensive pre‑employment screen. The pre‑employment screen may consist of several components including but not limited to a drug test, criminal record check, identity verification, reference checks, education and employment verification, and may vary based on federal, state, and local laws. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration.

All requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Cambrex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity / Aff

#LI-RD1