Chemical Development Senior Scientist III

Cambrex Corp.; Charles City (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambrex Corporation is seeking a Chemist to optimize existing chemical routes and develop alternative synthesis toward APIs. The role involves performing multistep organic syntheses, purification, and analytical verification in a lab setting, with regular client communications and R&D reporting.

The position requires advanced chemistry degrees and hands-on experience with modern analytical techniques. Strong collaboration with manufacturing and GMP teams is essential to ensure project success.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of organic chemistry and process development.
• Knowledge of cross-functional interfaces including analytical chemistry and engineering.
• Demonstrated GMP understanding and risk identification for regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Carry out multistep organic syntheses, isolation, and purification under supervision.
• Understand modern organic synthesis methodologies.
• Interpret data and spectra from analytical techniques.
• Scale lab syntheses from milligrams to kilograms with minimal supervision.
• Coordinate project activities and resource usage.
• Write comprehensive project reports for clients and internal use.
• Advise clients on key regulatory guidance with manager review.
• Maintain teamwork and safety within the group and with GMP operations.
• Handle hazardous materials following the chemical hygiene plan and safety practices.
• Coordinate equipment and activities with manufacturing teams.

Skills

Organic Chemistry

Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge

GMP/Regulatory

Instrumentation

Communication

Problem Solving

Time Management

Leadership

Documentation & Review

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

NMR

MS

Automated Reactors

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. Start a career where You Matter by applying today!

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 review, 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: Strong understanding of the Principles of Organic

Chemistry/Process Development.

Cross Discipline Knowledge: Higher level of understanding of the principles of cross-functional

departments, including analytical chemistry and engineering.

GMP/Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of industrial GMP and practical

application to Cambrex programs; ability to help identify risks for regulatory compliance or violation of

site SOP.

Instrumentation: Demonstrated ability to use, train, investigate root cause issues with HPLC, NMR,

good understanding of MS, uses automated reactors, may have some experience with in-situ reaction

monitoring.

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 still 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, keep current lab notebook while

practicing GDP.

External Influence: Ability to lead local 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 4 years of experience or M.S. in Chemistry or

related field with minimum 8 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 scale up pharmaceutical processes.

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