Senior Scientist I

Scorpion Therapeutics; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics is seeking a seasoned Scientist to design and execute robust manufacturing routes for small-molecule drug substances, balancing safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. You will apply modern synthetic methods to optimize sequences for yield, purity, and scalability.

In this role, you will collaborate with CDMOs, transfer processes from lab to pilot plant and commercial production, generate data for process characterization, and support regulatory filings and Health

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (or related) with 5+ years biotech/biopharma small-molecule experience, or MS with 8+ years.
• Strong synthetic organic chemistry skills including multi-step synthesis and optimization.
• Experience in process development, scale-up, and technology transfer of small-molecule APIs.
• Proficiency in drug substance analytical techniques.
• Familiarity with cGMP and pharmaceutical quality systems.
• Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and ability to work independently in a team.
• Effective communication skills for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute robust, scalable manufacturing routes/processes for small-molecule drug substance production, considering safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Apply modern synthetic methodologies to optimize reaction sequences for yield, purity, and scalability.
• Support process characterization and fate/purge studies to establish critical process parameters and process control strategies.
• Use internal lab capabilities to generate key data and establish proof-of-concept for process development.
• Collaborate with CDMO partners on tech transfer, process development, and scale-up from lab to pilot plant and commercial production.
• Characterize process streams, inputs, intermediates, and final products using HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, and other analytical techniques.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records in compliance with company policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare technical development reports; support clinical regulatory filings and responses to Health Authority inquiries (e.g., IND, IMPD) as needed.
• Serve on cross-functional teams to develop/execute a CMC strategy aligned with clinical plans.
• Provide technical guidance to junior scientists; present updates to internal/external stakeholders.

Skills

Synthetic organic chemistry

Process development

Scale-up / tech transfer

Analytical techniques

cGMP knowledge

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Independent teamwork

Education

PhD in Organic Chemistry

MS in Chemistry

Job description

Responsibilities:

• Design and execute robust, scalable manufacturing routes/processes for small-molecule drug substance production, considering safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Apply modern synthetic methodologies to optimize reaction sequences for yield, purity, and scalability.
• Support process characterization and fate/purge studies to establish critical process parameters and process control strategies.
• Use internal lab capabilities to generate key data and establish proof-of-concept for process development.
• Collaborate with CDMO partners on tech transfer, process development, and scale-up from lab to pilot plant and commercial production.
• Characterize process streams, inputs, intermediates, and final products using HPLC, LC-MS, NMR, and other analytical techniques.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records in compliance with company policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare technical development reports; support clinical regulatory filings and responses to Health Authority inquiries (e.g., IND, IMPD) as needed.
• Serve on cross-functional teams to develop/execute a CMC strategy aligned with clinical plans.
• Provide technical guidance to junior scientists; present updates to internal/external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (or related) with 5+ years biotech/biopharma small-molecule drug substance experience; or M.S. with 8+ years relevant experience.
• Strong synthetic organic chemistry skills (multi-step synthesis, reaction optimization).
• Experience in process development, scale-up, and technology transfer of small-molecule APIs.
• Proficiency in drug substance analytical techniques.
• Familiarity with cGMP regulations and pharmaceutical quality systems.
• Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and independent teamwork.
• Effective communication skills for diverse audiences.