Chemical Development, Scientist I

Cambrex Corp.; Charles City (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambrex Corp. is seeking a Chemist to optimize existing chemical routes and develop alternative chemistry toward key intermediates and APIs. The role involves multistep synthesis, purification, and close collaboration with clients, reporting results in regular projects.

You'll use modern analytical tools to verify identity and purity, maintain GDP-aligned documentation, and coordinate with GMP operations to ensure safe, compliant lab work.

Qualifications

• MS in Chemistry or related field with no experience required or BS in Chemistry with 3 years in a lab environment, pharmaceutical experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience in pharmaceutical/chemical process development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work in a diverse team.

Responsibilities

• Carry out multistep organic syntheses, isolation, and purification of targeted products under supervision or direction.
• Understand modern organic synthesis methodologies and apply them in projects.
• Interpret analytical data and spectra from routine experiments.
• Write comprehensive reports for internal and customer use.

Skills

Organic Chemistry

Analytical Chemistry

Communication skills

Time management

Laboratory safety

Problem solving

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

MS in Chemistry or related field

BS in Chemistry with 3 years experience

Tools

Analytical instrumentation

GMP knowledge

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.

At Cambrex, we strive to build a culture where all colleagues have the opportunity to:

• 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

Position is directed toward optimization of existing chemical routes and development of alternate chemistry toward key synthetic intermediates and APIs. Carries out multistep chemical synthesis and product isolation/purification operations in the laboratory, independently or as part of an integrated team. Chemist utilizes modern analytical tools to determine identity and purity of products made during projects. Communication with clients in regular team meetings; prepares R&D reports at the conclusion of projects.

Responsibilities

• Carry out multistep organic syntheses, isolation, and purification of targeted products under supervision or direction of a senior member of the team.
• Must possess a basic understanding of modern organic synthesis methodologies.
• The chemist must have a fundamental understanding of modern analytical and spectroscopic techniques and may possess the ability to interpret the corresponding data and spectra.
• Must demonstrate a proficiency to carry out laboratory syntheses and purification techniques on scales ranging from milligrams to several kilograms.
• Require minimal supervision and be able to coordinate project activities and resource usage.
• Demonstrate ability to write comprehensive reports at the conclusion of projects for internal and customer use.
• With manager input, assist in advising clients on key regulatory guidance.
• Work to ensure that a spirit of teamwork and cooperation always exists within the group.
• Conduct laboratory operations in a safe manner. Maintain familiarity with the company’s chemical hygiene plan. Exhibit safety awareness and safe work practices.
• Work closely with manufacturing and GMP operations to coordinate project related equipment and activities.
• This position works with and handles hazardous materials and wastes. Must have the appropriate qualifications to read, understand, apply, and communicate written and verbal information regarding handling and managing hazardous wastes. Training is required within six months of assuming duty and once a year thereafter. Responsible for recognizing emergency situations concerning hazardous materials and wastes.

Qualifications/Skills

Organic Chemistry Knowledge: Basic understanding of the Principles of Organic Chemistry

Cross Discipline Knowledge: Industrial exposure to cross functional technical departments, including analytical chemistry

GMP/Regulatory Knowledge: Basic understanding of GMP; With manager assistance, beginning to understand how to answer client inquires related to SOP or regulatory guidance

Instrumentation: Basic understanding of key analytical R&D equipment, can operate independently once instructed

Communication: Good written and oral communication skills, demonstration of successful interdepartmental communication

Problem Solving: Ability to support laboratory investigations with manager support

Time Management: Reasonable ability to handle one or more tasks or projects, often with supervision

Leadership: Shares ideas with peers

Technical Documentation and Review: Ability to write technical documents with assistance, keep current lab notebook while practicing GDP

External Influence: Occasionally participates in internal project team meetings, as needed; demonstrated ability to work within a team matrix

Industry Credibility and Rapport: Known as a solid scientific contributor within the department/group

Operational Excellence: Demonstrated interest in improvement of operational aspects of the group/team

Change Orientation: Provides constructive feedback for Cambrex initiatives

Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements

M.S. in Chemistry or related field with no experienced required or B.S. degree in Chemistry or related field with 3 years of experience in lab environment, pharmaceutical experience preferred.

Hands on experience in pharmaceutical/chemical process development.

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