Scientist 1, Analytical Development

Catalent; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive PTO

10 paid holidays

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Onsite fitness center

Job summary

Catalent in San Diego, CA is seeking a Scientist 1, Analytical Development who will design and perform analytical experiments, qualification studies, and method transfer activities with autonomy. You will support APIs and drug products, ensuring GMP compliance and clear technical communication with clients and management.

The role operates 100% onsite with a Monday–Friday schedule, offering salary range $78,000–$85,000 and comprehensive benefits to support career growth in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in a physical, chemical, biological, or pharmaceutical science required.
• Bachelor’s degree with 1+ years of experience in analytical development.
• Master’s degree with experience in analytical development preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform and train others on analytical techniques listed (balances, pH meters, HPLC/UPLC, UV/Vis, GC, DSC, TGA, PXRD, SEM).
• Develop cleaning verification methods and execute studies under supervision.
• Interpret data, maintain lab records, and communicate progress to cross-functional teams and clients.

Skills

Analytical balances

pH meters

HPLC/UPLC

UV/Vis spectroscopy

GC

DSC

TGA

PXRD

SEM

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

HPLC/UPLC

PXRD

Karl Fischer titration

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.

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 Scientist 1, Analytical Development to join our team. In this role, you will perform laboratory experiments with a high degree of autonomy and communicate project progress to cross‑functional teams, management, and clients. You will apply creativity and innovation to problem‑solving while developing and qualifying analytical test methods for APIs, intermediates, and final drug products. This position offers the chance to contribute directly to ensuring patients receive the highest quality medicines through analytical excellence.

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

Location: San Diego, CA

100% Onsite

The Role

• Perform and train others on analytical techniques including analytical balances, pH meters, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/UPLC), UV/Vis spectroscopy, gas chromatography (GC), USP dissolution testing apparatus, moisture analysis by Karl Fischer, disintegration, Pion µdiss, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), particle size distribution (PSD), powder X‑ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hardness, and friability testing.
• Develop cleaning verification methods.
• Execute excipient compatibility and forced degradation studies under supervision.
• Troubleshoot and optimize analytical methods for characterization of drug products and intermediates.
• Perform qualification studies to determine if methods are suitable for transfer to Quality Control.
• Independently design and execute simple experiments; seek supervisor input for complex designs.
• Interpret data with limited guidance and identify key factors and findings.
• Maintain clear and accurate laboratory records and review colleagues’ work for accuracy and compliance.
• Engage with clients on technical topics related to their projects.
• Apply strong scientific principles, chemistry knowledge, and proficiency in analytical techniques, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and technical writing.
• Propose solutions to scientific problems and maintain good housekeeping and safety practices.
• May supervise laboratory assistants.

Minimum Requirements

• Four‑year degree in a physical, chemical, biological, or pharmaceutical science required.
• Bachelor’s degree with 1 or more years of experience in analytical development.
• Master’s degree with experience in analytical development preferred.

Preferred Skills & Background

• Proficiency in analytical techniques including analytical balances, pH meters, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/UPLC), gas chromatography (GC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), powder X‑ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gas volume spectroscopy (GVS), UV/Vis spectroscopy, USP dissolution testing apparatus, disintegration, hardness, friability, and moisture analysis by Karl Fischer.
• Highly detail‑oriented and organized, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with a positive attitude.
• Experience using HPLC/UPLC for drug product analysis preferred.

Pay

The anticipated salary range for this position in CA is $78,000 – $85,000. 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 complete or earn a new degree.
• Site‑based Employee Engagement activities such as Movie Day, Annual Blues Fest, and Free Bagel Fridays.
• Employee Resource Groups focusing on Diversity and Inclusion.
• Environmentally friendly initiatives including community engagement and Beach Clean‑up participation.
• Defined career path with annual performance reviews and growth opportunities.
• WellHub program promoting physical wellness with onsite fitness center, yoga classes, and company-sponsored sports teams.
• Perkspot offering exclusive discounts from over 900 merchants across 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 to the application or hiring process.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives

Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

Volunteer Work Disclosure

Applicants for employment in Massachusetts may include in their employment history any verified work performed on a volunteer basis.

Massachusetts Lie Detector Test Notice

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law may be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Consistent with Massachusetts law, Catalent does not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.