Process Research Scientist 1

Promega Corporation; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

Promega Corporation in San Luis Obispo seeks a highly motivated organic chemist to design and explore multi-step routes for bioapplications, with emphasis on safe, reproducible, and cost-effective development.

You will work with a cross-functional team across Promega's San Luis Obispo and Madison sites, advancing proof-of-concept to full product realization through quality-by-design and innovative problem solving.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry with 0-2 years’ experience with multi-step organic synthesis, purification and characterization, or Master’s Degree with 2-4 years strong experience in process development in organic synthesis.
• Ability to create independent thought and problem solving with strong organic chemistry knowledge of scientific principles and concepts required.
• Ability to independently design and explore a safe, reliable synthetic route potential for manufacturing a given molecule/product.
• Ability to optimize reaction conditions, potentially leading to a reproducible manufacturing protocol.
• Ability to investigate potential critical material attributes linked to the critical performance.
• Ability to work closely with new product realization team and execute a quality-by-design chemical process in safe, reproducible and cost-effective manner.
• Ability to scale up synthesis of molecules in relatively large scale.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to present research activities in a scientific manner to the group, management team and outside customers.
• Ability to write manuscripts for peered review journals.
• Demonstrated proficiency in digital tools and technology, including Microsoft applications and mobile platforms, with the ability to adapt and leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency, automation, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design and explore multi-step chemical process for a variety of biocompatible organic molecules in collaborating with chemists, analysts, and biologists.
• Purify synthetic compounds from classic purification methods, including distillation, recrystallization, flash chromatography and prep-HPLC.
• Characterize synthetic compounds by HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, etc. or other methods as needed.
• Identify a safe, robust synthetic route for particular product(s).
• Explore the critical material attributes linked to desired biological function performance in considering aspects of solubility, stability, and chemical safety.
• Work closely within new product realization teams across different departments at Promega’s San Luis Obispo office, integrating with biology team at Promega Madison to deliver the key deliverables for new product realization.
• Execute a quality-by-design chemical process in a safe, reproducible and cost-effective manner suitable for new product realization.
• Apply knowledge and experience to solve complex scientific problems working within an internal team of chemists and biologists and strive for synergistic co-creativity within that team.
• Present scientific results and other reports to small or large groups within the company.
• Interface with highly valued internal and external customers with professionalism.
• Maintain high level of knowledge related to current developments in organic chemistry, chemical biology and life science tool development.
• Complete assigned duties in a safe manner.

Skills

Organic synthesis knowledge

Independent problem solving

Scale-up synthesis

Quality-by-design

Communication

Manuscript writing

Team collaboration

Digital tools

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

MS in Chemistry or related field

Tools

ChemDraw

Microsoft Office

Job description

OUR TEAM

I oversee the Chemistry New Product Realization (cNPR) process here at Promega and lead the Methodology group. The Methodology group is a research-facing process development team that provides R&D with synthetic expertise to support the development of product proof-of-concepts, and once those proof-of-concepts have matured, the Methodology group joins a cNPR team to help develop a quality-by-design process for that product to enable launch. Thus, in the Methodology group you will have the opportunity to deploy advanced synthetic methodology to have impacts across almost the entirety of product realization, from shortly after conception on towards launch.

YOUR ROLE

As a member of the Methodology group you will work with members of R&D to streamline their syntheses of final compounds and intermediates to help them achieve a product proof-of-concept. Once this proof-of-concept is achieved, you will work with a multi-disciplinary team to develop a safe, reliable, and robust process for this product’s manufacture. The work required to achieve these ends relies heavily on exploring numerous routes to target molecules and dialing in the appropriate parameters to optimize yields, reproducibility, etc. A strong and broad knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry and mechanisms is crucial to this role to enable efficient route selection and problem-solving. Creativity and initiative are also highly valued in this position, as in some cases, the best solution for a synthetic problem has not been published before, and we appreciate fresh ideas and perspectives!

JOB OBJECTIVE

This position requires a highly self-motivated organic chemist with enthusiasm to design and explore a number of multi-step synthetic routes with strong emphasis on a safe, reproducible and cost-effective chemical development process for organic molecules for a variety of bioapplicaitons. This position will not only have a desire to create optimal synthetic route, but also an estute ability to convert them to quality-by-design for new product realization in joint team endeavors. This position is capable of nurturing a collaborative environment through the courage of independent thought, the empathy of listening to diverse perspectives, and the drive to individually demonstrate the proof of concept within a team context. The candidate will join a large team of chemists focused on inventing new molecules and materials as part of the Chemistry Discovery Group in San Luis Obispo, California.

Estimated starting salary range is $100,314 - $107,654/yr.

The full salary range for this position is $97,868 - $146,802/yr.

Base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Estimated starting salary range is based upon market competitiveness and internal equity. Salary is just one component of Promega’s total reward package for employees. Promega is committed to providing a variety of benefits that support our employees.

CORE DUTIES

• 1. Design and explore multi-step chemical process for a variety of biocompatible organic molecules in collaborating with chemists, analysts, and biologists.
• 2. Purify synthetic compounds from classic purification methods, including distillation, recrystallization, flash chromatography and prep-HPLC.
• 3. Characterize synthetic compounds by HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, etc. or other methods as needed.
• 4. Identify a safe, robust synthetic route for particular product(s).
• 5. Explore the critical material attributes linked to desired biological function performance in considering aspects of solubility, stability, and chemical safety.
• 6. Work closely within new product realization teams across different departments at Promega’s San Luis Obispo office, integrating with biology team at Promega Madison to deliver the key deliverables for new product realization.
• 7. Execute a quality-by-design chemical process in a safe, reproducible and cost-effective manner suitable for new product realization.
• 8. Apply knowledge and experience to solve complex scientific problems working within an internal team of chemists and biologists and strive for synergistic co-creativity within that team.
• 9. Present scientific results and other reports to small or large groups within the company.
• 10. Interface with highly valued internal and external customers with professionalism.
• 11. Maintain high level of knowledge related to current developments in organic chemistry, chemical biology and life science tool development.
• 12. Complete assigned duties in a safe manner.
• 13. Demonstrate inclusion through their own words and actions and be accountable for a safe workspace. Acts with kindness, curiosity, and respect for others.
• 14. Embracing and being open to incorporating Promega’s 6 Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.
• 15. Understand and comply with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• 1. PhD Degree in Organic Chemistry with 0-2 years’ experience with multi-step organic synthesis, purification and characterization, or Master’s Degree with 2-4 years strong experience in process development in organic synthesis.
• 2. Ability to create independent thought and problem solving with strong organic chemistry knowledge of scientific principles and concepts required.
• 3. Ability to independently design and explore a safe, reliable synthetic route potential for manufacturing a given molecule/product.
• 4. Ability to optimize reaction conditions, potentially leading to a reproducible manufacturing protocol.
• 5. Ability to investigate potential critical material attributes linked to the critical performance.
• 6. Ability to work closely with new product realization team and execute a quality-by-design chemical process in safe, reproducible and cost-effective manner.
• 7. Ability to scale up synthesis of molecules in relatively large scale.
• 8. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• 9. Ability to present research activities in a scientific manner to the group, management team and outside customers.
• 10. Ability to write manuscripts for peered review journals.
• 11. Demonstrated proficiency in digital tools and technology, including Microsoft applications and mobile platforms, with the ability to adapt and leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency, automation, and collaboration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 1. Experience and knowledge on oligo synthesis.
• 2. Experience and knowledge on dye chemistry and fluorescence probes.
• 3. Knowledge on modern organic synthetic process, such as automation, or flow chemistry, etc.
• 4. Good computer skills, including working knowledge of relevant computer software applications such as Word, Excel, and Chem Draw.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• 1. Ability to move about the building and labs including climbing stairs.
• 2. Good hearing, vision, and sense of smell is required in monitoring reactions
• 3. Ability to identify and distinguish colors.
• 4. Requires corrected vision for near and far.
• 5. Ability to use a computer

At Promega, we value diversity and strive to create an inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.