Head of Peptide R&D & Tech Development

RiseMe; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

Bachem Torrance is a leading peptide CDMO seeking a Manager of R&D to lead scientists and engineers in process development, technology development, and manufacturing support. You will drive scaling, tech transfer, and lifecycle management for peptide manufacturing projects.

The role emphasizes cross-functional leadership, strategic planning, and delivering innovative, high-quality solutions while ensuring safety and compliance within a GMP framework.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or a related field required or
• Master's Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or a related field preferred or
• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or a related field preferred
• At least 3 years of relevant industrial experience in process development, technical development, manufacturing support, or closely related scientific areas required
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary project teams and technical initiatives required
• Experience in peptide chemistry, pharmaceutical development, or CDMO operations required
• Advanced knowledge of peptide chemistry, process development, scale-up, technology transfer, manufacturing support, and pharmaceutical development principles.
• Thorough understanding of peptide synthesis, purification, isolation, analytical characterization, and associated manufacturing technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead scientific organizations and manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Strong leadership, coaching, mentoring, and talent development skills, with a proven ability to build, develop, and retain high-performing teams.
• Ability to establish clear goals and expectations while creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Strong project management, organizational, and resource planning skills with the ability to effectively balance scientific, operational, and business priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and organizational change management programs.
• Strong scientific problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with the ability to assess complex technical challenges and drive effective solutions.
• Proven ability to evaluate, implement, and optimize new technologies, automation strategies, scientific methodologies, and business processes.
• Strong financial and business acumen with the ability to balance scientific objectives, operational requirements, customer expectations, and organizational goals.
• Experience managing departmental resources, budgets, capital investments, and long-range planning activities.
• Ability to influence stakeholders, drive alignment, and build productive relationships across functions, sites, and organizational levels.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific and business topics to technical teams, senior leadership, customers, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to represent the organization during customer interactions, technical discussions, audits, collaborations, and business development activities.
• Working knowledge of GMP regulations, quality systems, risk management principles, regulatory requirements, and pharmaceutical development practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a team of Scientists, Chemists and technical professionals.
• Establish performance expectations and provide regular feedback, coaching, and career development support.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, inclusion, and continuous learning.
• Support talent acquisition, succession planning, and workforce development activities.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing across the organization.
• Direct process development, technology development, scale-up, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management activities.
• Provide scientific guidance and technical oversight for development programs and manufacturing support initiatives.
• Drive implementation of new technologies, automation solutions, methodologies, and equipment.
• Ensure technical decisions are scientifically sound, commercially viable, and aligned with organizational objectives.
• Support customer interactions through scientific leadership and technical expertise.
• Prioritize departmental activities and manage personnel, laboratory, equipment, and financial resources.
• Ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with quality requirements, budgets, and timelines.
• Identify project risks and implement mitigation plans.
• Monitor departmental performance metrics and support achievement of business objectives.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance quality, efficiency, productivity, and technical capability.
• Develop business cases for investments in equipment, technology, staffing, and infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality systems, safety requirements, and company procedures.
• Support implementation of organizational and operational changes.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Scientific problem-solving

Peptide chemistry

Process development

Scale-up

Technology transfer

Analytical characterization

Pharmaceutical development

Regulatory awareness

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or related field

Master's Degree in Chemistry or related field

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Tools

GMP knowledge

Job description

Bachem Torrance is a leading peptide CDMO seeking a Manager of R&D to lead scientists and engineers in process development, technology development, and manufacturing support. You will drive scaling, tech transfer, and lifecycle management for peptide manufacturing projects.

The role emphasizes cross-functional leadership, strategic planning, and delivering innovative, high-quality solutions while ensuring safety and compliance within a GMP framework.