Principal Scientist I - Synthetic Chemist, Process Development Engineering & Safety - FSP

Parexel; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Parexel is seeking a Principal Scientist I to join the Chemical Engineering R&D team on a full-time basis, onsite at a client site in Rahway, NJ. The role emphasizes development and optimization of chemical processes to deliver APIs through the R&D pipeline.

The candidate will operate in a laboratory-based environment, handling diverse chemicals and equipment, documenting experiments, and ensuring safety and quality in a fast-paced setting. This position does not offer sponsorship.

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry or closely related field (Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, etc.) or MS with 3+ years pharma/biopharma experience.
• Experience in chemical process development, scale-up, and unit operations (reactions, extractions, distillations, crystallizations, filtrations, drying).
• Strong lab skills and ability to generate and document data per GLP expectations.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, regulated lab with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with MS Office and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize chemical processes to advance APIs from early to late-stage development.
• Scale up experiments from lab to kilo-lab scale and troubleshoot issues.
• Plan, analyze, and document laboratory experiments; write concise reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet safety, quality and yield goals.
• Maintain compliance with safety, environmental, and GLP/GMP expectations.

Skills

Chemical process development

Scale-up

Laboratory safety (GLP)

Data analysis

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Proficiency with MS Office

Education

PhD in Chemistry or closely related field

MS in Chemistry with 3+ years pharma/biopharma experience

Tools

Mettler Toledo EasyMax/Optimax

HPLC

GC

FTIR

Raman

Job description

We are looking to fill a Principal Scientist I position working as a full-time employee of Parexel FSP on assignment onsite at one of our clients located in Rahway, NJ. This position offers full benefits, sick time, 401K, paid holidays, and paid time off. This position does not offer sponsorship.

Description

The Chemical Engineering Research and Development department of one of our clients in Rahway, NJ is seeking a motivated and technically focused chemist who is looking for an opportunity to develop and optimize chemical process steps combining a series of typical chemical engineering unit operations used in the specialty chemical and pharmaceutical industries (e.g. reactions, extractions, distillations, crystallizations, filtrations, drying). The individual would do this as part of project teams working together on chemical processes combining multiple chemical steps in order to bring new active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) through the R&D pipeline from early through late-stage development.

This position is largely a laboratory-based role to support chemical process development performed at scales spanning the range from grams to multi-kilogram scale in order to understand scale-up issues, improve process robustness, quality, safety, environmental footprint and yield, troubleshoot issues, optimize, and deliver process intermediates and/or APIs. This role requires the ability to work in the lab with a variety of chemicals, use an array of manual and automated laboratory reactors/equipment and process/analytical instruments. Deskwork will involve planning, analysis, and documentation of laboratory experiments, and writing clear and concise reports. The role offers fast-paced, hands-on research that requires a high degree of technical skills and contributions.

Qualifications

• Principal Scientist I - PhD in Chemistry or closely related field (Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Research Sciences, Material Sciences, etc.); or MS degree in Chemistry or a closely related field (Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Research Sciences, Material Sciences, etc.) with 3+ years of professional experience in pharma/biopharma industry.

Required Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience with chemical process development, scale-up, and unit operations including reactions, extractions, distillations, crystallizations, filtrations, and drying.
• Strong laboratory skills with the ability to safely handle a wide variety of chemicals, execute experiments, and generate, analyze, and document data in compliance with safety and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) expectations.
• Knowledge of chemistry theory and practice, including process robustness, quality, yield, and environmental considerations.
• Ability to work accurately and safely in a fast-paced, regulated laboratory environment with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with computers and experience using local and web-based software tools (e.g., MS Office, data analysis tools).
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills to effectively collaborate within cross‑functional project teams.
• Demonstrated ability to follow established procedures, policies, and guidelines to meet safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Initiative and independence to develop, apply, and improve laboratory systems, methods, and best practices.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Hands‑on experience with laboratory reactor and process equipment, including automated systems such as Mettler Toledo EasyMax/Optimax.
• Experience using in‑situ or off‑line analytical and characterization techniques such as HPLC, GC, FTIR, Raman, FBRM (Focus Beam Reflectance Measurement), PVM, KF, or DSC.
• Familiarity with statistically designed experimentation, including Design of Experiments (DoE) methodologies.
• Experience with API crystallization, isolation, drying, and particle physical attribute control at bench and kilo‑lab scales.
• Awareness of current Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and/or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Experience with process safety evaluations, calorimetry, hazard analysis (e.g., PHA, LOPA), or environmentally sound process design.
• Exposure to mathematical modeling, data analysis, or simulation tools (e.g., Aspen, MATLAB, Mathematica or similar).
• Experience with PHA's, Layers of Protection Analysis or similar risk evaluation methodologies.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing work assignments, priorities, and project timelines.

About Parexel

Parexel FSP includes the CMC Operations group. We provide pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies with qualified and talented technical professionals to support the development and delivery of new therapies.

For results‑driven and caring individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in the world, Parexel is trusted by life sciences companies to meet their long‑term staffing needs for scientists and engineers and related professionals in discovery and development of novel therapies, keeping patients at the center of everything we do, and where an inclusive community helps you be your best, transforming any career into a life‑changing achievement.

Come join us!

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EEO Disclaimer

Parexel is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, which in the US includes race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.