Senior Scientist 2 - Chemical Research & Development

Cambrex Corp.; High Point (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambrex Corp. is seeking a highly qualified chemist to optimize existing chemical routes and develop alternative chemistries toward key intermediates and APIs. The role involves multistep synthesis, purification, and rigorous analytical verification in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities include data interpretation, client communication, and preparation of technical reports, with emphasis on safety, regulatory considerations, and teamwork across the site.

Qualifications

• Organic Chemistry knowledge with strong understanding of organic chemistry principles.
• Cross-disciplinary knowledge including analytical chemistry and engineering.
• GMP/regulatory knowledge and ability to advise clients on regulatory strategies.
• Instrumentation: use of HPLC, GC; MS understanding; automated reactors.
• Strong written and oral communication.
• Problem solving and investigative skills.
• Time management and self-organization.
• Leadership: share ideas and lead initiatives.
• Technical documentation and review with GDP awareness.
• External influence: participate in regular project meetings and reports.
• Industry credibility and rapport as a solid scientific contributor.
• Operational excellence and adaptability to Cambrex initiatives.
• Change orientation and supporting larger Cambrex programs.

Responsibilities

• Carry out multistep organic syntheses and purification of target products under supervision or with senior input.
• Understand modern organic synthesis methodologies and analytical techniques.
• Interpret data and spectra from analytical instruments; prepare R&D reports.
• Coordinate project activities and resource usage with minimal supervision.
• Write comprehensive reports for internal and customer use.
• Advise clients on regulatory guidance with manager input.
• Maintain safe laboratory practices and adhere to the chemical hygiene plan.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and GMP operations to coordinate equipment and activities.
• Maintain a clean, organized laboratory workspace.
• Handle hazardous materials and wastes with required training and safety awareness.

Job description

Company Information

You Matter to Cambrex.

Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance, drug product, and analytical services across the entire drug lifecycle. With more than 40 years of experience and a growing team of over 2,000 professionals servicing global clients. Cambrex is a trusted partner in branded and generic markets for API and dosage form development and manufacturing.

Your Work Matters.

At Cambrex, we strive to build a culture where all colleagues have the opportunity to:

• engage in work that matters to our customers and the patients they serve
• learn new skills and enjoy new experiences in an engaging and safe environment
• strengthen connections with coworkers and the community

We’re committed to attracting and nurturing a passionate team of valued professionals in our fast‑paced and growing company. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare, life insurance, planning for retirement, and more!

Your Future Matters.

Known for our customer‑focused scientific and manufacturing excellence, as well as our strong commitment to quality and safety, we offer a range of career and growth opportunities across our global network of locations. Together with our customers, we aim to improve the quality of life for patients around the world.

Job Overview

Position is directed toward optimization of existing chemical routes and development of alternate chemistry toward key synthetic intermediates and APIs. Carries out multistep chemical synthesis and product isolation/purification operations in the laboratory, independently or as part of an integrated team. Chemist utilizes modern analytical tools to determine identity and purity of products made during projects. Communication with clients in regular team meetings; prepares R&D reports at the conclusion of projects.

Responsibilities

• Carry out multistep organic syntheses, isolation, and purification of targeted products under supervision or direction of a senior member of the team.
• Must possess a basic understanding of modern organic synthesis methodologies.
• The chemist must have a fundamental understanding of modern analytical and spectroscopic techniques and may possess the ability to interpret the corresponding data and spectra.
• Must demonstrate a proficiency to carry out laboratory syntheses and purification techniques on scales ranging from milligrams to several kilograms.
• Require minimal supervision and be able to coordinate project activities and resource usage.
• Demonstrate ability to write comprehensive reports at the conclusion of projects for internal and customer use.
• With manager input, assist in advising clients on key regulatory guidance.
• Work to ensure that a spirit of teamwork and cooperation always exists within the group.
• Conduct laboratory operations in a safe manner. Maintain familiarity with the company’s chemical hygiene plan. Exhibit safety awareness and safe work practices.
• Work closely with manufacturing and GMP operations to coordinate project related equipment and activities.
• Maintain a clean, safe laboratory work area.
• This position works with and handles hazardous materials and wastes. Must have the appropriate qualifications to read, understand, apply, and communicate written and verbal information regarding handling and managing hazardous wastes. Training is required within 6 months of assuming duty and once a year thereafter. Responsible for recognizing emergency situation concerning hazardous materials and wastes.

Qualifications/Skills

Organic Chemistry Knowledge: Strong understanding of the Principles of Organic Chemistry, some process development experience.

Cross Discipline Knowledge: Improved understanding of the principles of cross-functional departments, including analytical chemistry and engineering.

GMP/Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of GMP as it relates to current work. With less manager input, can help to advise clients on key regulatory strategies.

Instrumentation: Demonstrated ability to use, train, investigate root cause issues with HPLC, GC, good understanding of MS, uses automated reactors, may have some experience with In-situ reaction monitoring.

Communication: Good written and oral communication skills, ability to handle client requests with manager review.

Problem Solving: Able to solve problems in the workplace and helps to lead investigations with manager support.

Time Management: Good understanding of time management and can self-organize with or without supervision.

Leadership: Regularly seeks to share ideas and learning across the group/site; pushes new initiatives from the ground up.

Technical Documentation and Review: Ability to write and review reports and technical documents with minimal RFT errors, keep current lab notebook while practicing GDP.

External Influence: Actively participates in regular internal project team meetings, including submission of key technical reports; organizes group level initiatives within the larger scientific team.

Industry Credibility and Rapport: Known as a solid scientific contributor within the department/group

Operational Excellence: Able to support key OE initiatives.

Change Orientation: Locally supports changes associated with larger Cambrex initiatives.

Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with minimum 2 years’ experience or M.S. in Chemistry or related field with minimum 6 years’ experience or B.S. degree in Chemistry or related field with 10 years of experience in lab environment, pharmaceutical experience preferred.

Hands on experience in pharmaceutical/chemical process development.

Excellent verbal and written communication/interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and the ability to work in a diverse team environment are essential.

Proficiency with Microsoft software (SharePoint, Word / EXCEL / PowerPoint), and Chemdraw is expected.

Cambrex is committed to providing a safe and productive work environment. All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a comprehensive pre-employment screen. The pre-employment screen may consist of several components including but not limited to a drug test, criminal record check, identity verification, reference checks, education and employment verification, and may vary based on federal, state, and local laws. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration.

All requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Cambrex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity / Affinitive Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), ancestry, national origin, place of birth, age, marital status, disability/handicap, genetic information, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state, and/or local law.