Scientist I

USP; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 76,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare options

Retirement savings

Paid time off

Job summary

USP’s Reference Standards Laboratory seeks an entry-level Scientist I to contribute to analytical testing and data reporting. The role involves bench work, applying established methods, and collaborating with team members to ensure quality results.

The candidate will review data, prepare summaries, and support ongoing projects while continuing to learn and grow in a fast-paced lab environment.

Qualifications

• MS in Chemistry or related field, or BA/BS in Chemistry with 2 years of lab experience.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.
• Knowledge of DEA, ICH guidelines and FDA regulations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates solid scientific approach to analysis in the laboratory.
• Applies experience and techniques to solve complex technical problems.
• Conducts analysis of reference standard candidates using analytical methodologies.
• Organizes, implements, and evaluates testing of reference standards materials.
• Records experimental data with clear transcription of results.
• Reviews literature for analytical test methods and interprets data.
• Executes testing and analysis with excellence and minimal errors.
• Continues learning and grows capability.
• Proposes new approaches to improve laboratory operations.
• Contributes to project direction alignment with lab goals.
• Assists with other testing programs as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

MS in Chemistry or related field

BA/BS in Chemistry or related field + 2 years experience

Tools

Electronic documentation systems

Job description

Description

Who is USP? The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is an independent scientific organization that collaborates with the world's top authorities in health and science to develop quality standards for medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. USP's fundamental belief that Equity = Excellence manifests in our core value of Passion for Quality through our more than 1,300 hard-working professionals across twenty global locations to deliver the mission to strengthen the supply of safe, quality medicines and supplements worldwide.

At USP, we value inclusivity for all. We recognize the importance of building an organizational culture with meaningful opportunities for mentorship and professional growth. From the standards we create the partnerships we build, and the conversations we foster, we affirm the value of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in building a world where everyone can be confident of quality in health and healthcare.

USP is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer (EEOE) and affirmative action employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment in all aspects of our work- an environment where every employee feels fully empowered and valued irrespective of, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, physical and mental abilities, education, religion, gender identity, and expression, life experience, sexual orientation, country of origin, regional differences, work experience, and family status. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.

Brief Job Overview

This is a hands-on, non-supervisory position in USP’s Reference Standards Laboratory. The Scientist I will contribute to the scientific expertise and work ethic of the laboratory through a broad range of technical support and knowledge. A Scientist I has mastered many common techniques in the laboratory and is able to contribute their own observations and input to difficult projects. The incumbent will provide technical assistance by performing analytical tests, reviewing analytical data, and preparing summary reports. The incumbent may execute 90% - 100% of their work at the bench level.

How will YOU create impact here at USP?

As part of our mission to advance scientific rigor and public health standards, you will play a vital role in increasing global access to high-quality medicines through public standards and related programs. USP prioritizes scientific integrity, regulatory excellence, and evidence-based decision-making to ensure health systems worldwide can rely on strong, tested, and globally relevant quality standards.

Additionally, USP’s People and Culture division, in partnership with the Equity Office, invests in leadership and workforce development to equip all employees with the skills to create high-performing, inclusive teams. This includes training in equitable management practices and tools to promote engaged, collaborative, and results-driven work environments.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates solid scientific approach to analysis in the laboratory.
• Routinely applies personal experience, academic training, and technical insights - including emerging sciences - to solve complex technical problems within the laboratory.
• Conducts analysis of reference standard candidates using a broad range of analytical methodologies.
• Organizes, implements, and evaluates testing of reference standards materials.
• Records experimental data, ensuring clear and accurate transcription of results and calculations.
• Reviews literature for analytical test methods, as well as interprets and evaluates data.
• Executes all testing and analysis of data with excellence and essentially no errors.
• Demonstrates a strong desire to continue learning and grow personal capability.
• Pursues, recommends, and implements new approaches or processes to improve laboratory operations.
• Positively influences project direction by ensuring their own work is congruent with overall direction of laboratory projects.
• Assists with other testing programs and duties in the laboratory as needed.

Who is USP Looking For?

Qualifications

• M.S. in Chemistry or related field, or
• B.A./B.S. in Chemistry or related field and 2 years of relevant laboratory experience.

Additional Desired Preferences

• Strong communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.
• Experience working in the pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology industry is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of DEA, ICH guidelines and FDA regulations, and experience with compendial procedures and compliance strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with electronic documentation systems is highly preferred.
• Takes personal responsibility to ensure work is delivered on time and is of the highest possible quality.
• Skills to anticipate, troubleshoot, and solve technical problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None, this is an individual contributor role.

Benefits

USP provides the benefits to protect yourself and your family today and tomorrow. From company-paid time off and comprehensive healthcare options to retirement savings, you can have peace of mind that your personal and financial well-being is protected.

Compensation

Base Salary Range: USD $75,748.50 - $91,979.00 annually.

Target Annual Bonus: % Varies based on level of role

Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate’s skill set, experience, qualifications, equity, and other job-related reasons.

To help ensure timely communication, candidates are encouraged to keep their contact information current and to engage only with individuals who clearly identify themselves as authorized USP representatives. USP will never request payment, banking details, or other financial information as part of the hiring process.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

Job Category

Chemistry & Scientific Standards

Job Type

Full-Time