QC Chemist I

Catalent; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Catalent’s San Diego site is seeking a QC Chemist I to perform standard analytical tests to assess pharmaceutical product quality under cGMP with limited supervision. This entry‑level role offers a chance to broaden your analytical knowledge in a fast‑paced early‑phase QC group.

Shift: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Location: San Diego, CA. 100% onsite.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field (Chemistry or Biochemistry preferred).
• GMP exposure preferred.
• Applied laboratory experience encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform standard laboratory techniques, including H/UPLC, dissolution per USP 711, water content analysis per USP 921, appearance assessment, and water activity per USP 922.
• Execute advanced analytical techniques with assistance, such as PXRD, DSC, FT-IR, TGA, and SEM.
• Prepare samples, solutions, and manage instrument set‑up and breakdown independently.
• Create data packets, stability data sheets, and Certificates of Analysis to summarize analytical testing.
• Assist in Out of Specification investigations and document analytical deviations with Qualified Investigators and management.
• Understand and apply cGMP, Catalent SOPs, and relevant ICH and FDA guidance.
• Communicate with clients and internal teams, including delivery of data and notification of OOS/OOT.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry

Tools

H/UPLC

Dissolution USP 711

Water content analysis USP 921

Water activity USP 922

PXRD

DSC

FT-IR

TGA

SEM

sample preparation

Job description

About Site

Catalent’s San Diego, CA site is an early‑phase development facility supporting small‑molecule and peptide programs from preformulation through cGMP clinical manufacturing for oral and injectable dosage forms. The 68,000‑square‑foot site is a center of excellence for spray‑drying and bioavailability‑enhancement technologies, with integrated capabilities to advance challenging compounds rapidly into the clinic.

Position Summary

We have an opportunity for a QC Chemist I to join our team. In this role, you will perform analytical techniques and standard laboratory practices to assess the quality of pharmaceutical products under cGMPs with limited supervision. This entry‑level position offers the chance to broaden your analytical knowledge and learn common operations in a fast‑paced, early‑phase Quality Control group. You will work in a dynamic environment that values precision, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Shift: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 4:30 PM

Location: San Diego, CA

100% Onsite

The Role

• Independently perform standard laboratory techniques, including H/UPLC, dissolution per USP 711, water content analysis per USP 921, appearance assessment, and water activity per USP 922.
• Execute advanced analytical techniques with assistance, such as PXRD, DSC, FT-IR, TGA, and SEM.
• Prepare samples, solutions, and manage instrument set‑up and breakdown independently.
• Create data packets, stability data sheets, and Certificates of Analysis to summarize analytical testing.
• Assist in Out of Specification investigations and document analytical deviations with Qualified Investigators and management.
• Understand and apply cGMP, Catalent SOPs, and relevant ICH and FDA guidance.
• Communicate with clients and internal teams, including delivery of data and notification of OOS/OOT.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The Candidate

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field required (Chemistry or Biochemistry preferred).
• Individual needs to be accessible to lab and office staff and able to use required office equipment. Specific vision requirements include reading of written documents and frequent use of a computer monitor.

Preferred Skills & Background

• Applicable laboratory experience preferred.
• GMP exposure preferred.

Pay

The anticipated salary range for this position in CA is $70,500 – $72,000 annually. The final salary offered to a successful candidate may vary, and will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to: the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, skillset, education, business needs, etc. Catalent is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

Why You Should Join Catalent

• Positive and fast‑paced working environment focusing on continually improving processes to remain innovative and dynamic.
• Competitive Paid Time Off plus 10 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits effective day one of employment.
• Tuition Reimbursement – support to finish your degree or earn a new one.
• Site‑based Employee Engagement activities such as Movie Day, Annual Blues Fest, Free Bagel Fridays, and more.
• Employee Resource Groups focusing on Diversity and Inclusion.
• Environmentally friendly, community engagement green initiatives including regular participation in Beach Clean‑up.
• Defined career path and annual performance review process with potential for career growth on an expanding team.
• WellHub program promoting physical wellness, including onsite fitness center, yoga classes, and company‑sponsored sports teams.
• Perkspot offers exclusive discounts from approximately 900+ merchants in various categories.

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career! Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life‑saving and life‑enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference.

personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.

Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to [e-mail]. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.