Scientist - Process Research & Development

Veranova; Harvard (MA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health & wellness benefits

Generous PTO and holiday pay policies

Tuition Assistance for degree programs

401(k) Plan with company match

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Harvard, Massachusetts, is seeking a Scientist in Process Research & Development to develop and optimize synthetic routes for complex active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This role involves conducting chemical reactions, maintaining technical equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate has a PhD in a chemistry-related discipline, proficient lab techniques, and strong report writing skills. Join a team dedicated to impactful pharmaceutical development and innovation.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates good judgment and quick decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Skilled in written and spoken communication.

Responsibilities

• Develops and optimizes synthetic routes for complex active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
• Conducts small- to large-scale chemical reactions and generates high-quality data.
• Maintains technical equipment and ensures functionality.

Skills

Chemistry related discipline proficiency

Writing clear technical reports

Microsoft Office proficiency

Strong communication skills

Good judgment and decision-making

Education

PhD degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Analytical techniques

Job description

Scientist - Process Research & Development

Discover Veranova: At Veranova, we believe people are our most important asset, and we are dedicated to building the most talented workforce in our industry. Our commitment to uncompromising focus on quality, compliance, safety, and excellence in delivery shapes everything we do. We are not just looking for skills; we are seeking innovative individuals who have a mindset open to learning and growth, and a desire to make a difference.

Veranova is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of complex active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for pharma and biotech customers. With deep technical expertise and impressive flexibility, we develop solutions and processes that support and accelerate innovation. Join us on our mission to enable current and next-generation therapeutics to improve and save the lives of patients.

Role Overview

The Process R&D Scientist plays a key role in developing and optimizing synthetic routes for complex active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This position conducts small- to large-scale chemical reactions and generates high-quality data that supports project decision-making and innovation. Working under the guidance of technical leads, the role contributes to delivering projects on time, on spec, and within budget. It’s an excellent opportunity to deepen expertise while supporting impactful pharmaceutical development.

Core Responsibilities

• Delivers experimental output with high scientific integrity, meeting targets, timelines, and quality expectations with guidance.
• Exhibits strong safety awareness, conducts laboratory and operational activities safely, and maintains accountability for safe behavior in the work environment.
• Maintains technical equipment and related services to ensure proper functionality.
• Acts on feedback and demonstrates a continuous commitment to learning and professional development.
• Leads technical and operational areas and supports troubleshooting for complex scientific issues with minimal guidance.
• Shares knowledge, skills, and experience effectively with internal and external stakeholders; may lead focused projects as a key contact.
• Keeps accurate, legible, and complete records of all experiments, observations, and equipment use.
• Writes high-quality reports and delivers presentations to customers and management with some guidance, aligned with project milestones.
• Contributes to maintaining strong customer relationships and identifies new commercial opportunities.
• Actively supports the technical development of the department and the broader organization.
• Ensures all documentation meets Veranova standards; supports audit readiness and participates in regulatory and customer audits as needed; reports near misses and safety incidents per company procedures; and ensures all work complies with applicable state and federal regulations, including GMP, DEA, and FDA requirements.
• Adheres to all EHS policies and procedures; demonstrates strong technical and procedural proficiency in applying EHS standards; supports EHS audit readiness and participates in audits; reports and cooperates fully in investigations of near misses and incidents; and upholds Veranova’s EHS commitments by integrating ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, and Sustainability 2025 principles into daily work.
• Performs additional duties within the employee’s skills and abilities as reasonably assigned.

Qualifications

• PhD degree (or equivalent experience) in a chemistry related discipline.
• Proficiency with relevant lab and analytical techniques.
• Previous industry experience in relevant areas.
• Proficiency with relevant analytical techniques within an industry environment.
• Ability to write clear and concise technical reports.
• Good understanding of Microsoft Office and other relevant technical software platforms.
• Skilled in written and spoken communication and proven ability to effectively interact with management.
• Demonstrates good judgment, quick decision-making skills, and the ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Special Factors

• Must be able to stand, walk, and manually operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands or arms; and climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch when necessary for the job activity.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities include near, distance, peripheral, color perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• May regularly work with moving mechanical parts and may work with toxic or caustic chemicals.
• May work in humid areas with low or high temperatures.
• May be required to work with a respirator or operate with full-body Tyvek suits and supplied air or PAPR.

Salary Range

$105,000 - $120,000 annual base salary

Our Commitment

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health & wellness benefits. Access to mental health resources and wellness programs. Generous PTO and holiday pay policies.
• Financial Wellness: Veranova is committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. This includes a competitive base salary, eligibility for performance-based bonuses, and an attractive 401(k) Plan with company match. Salary ranges reflect the scope and expectations of the role, and are based on market data, internal equity, and role-specific factors. Final compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, education, and business needs.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning through LinkedIn Learning, workshops, conferences, and mentorship. Tuition Assistance for Undergraduate and Graduate degree programs.
• Inclusive Culture: At Veranova, an inclusive culture is integral to our values. We welcome people with diverse experiences and perspectives who share our mission to improve and save lives. Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. Veterans, first responders, and those transitioning from military to civilian life bring valuable skills that strengthen our team.

Additional Information

Applicants for this role must be authorized to work in the United States without further employer sponsorship.

Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Veranova does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Veranova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Veranova to provide equal employment access and opportunity to all persons regardless of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, physical or mental disability, genetic information, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Privacy and Data Use

All applications are carefully considered, and your details will be stored on our secure Application Management System. This is used throughout Veranova for the selection of suitable candidates for our vacancies as they arise. Veranova respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. For more information about how your personal data is used please view our privacy notice.

Seniority Level

Mid-Senior level

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Function

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industry

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing