TALENT PIPELINE - Principal Scientist (Process Chemistry)

Cambrex; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambrex in Durham, North Carolina is seeking a skilled chemist to conduct multistep organic syntheses and manage projects without supervision. Ideal candidates will hold a Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with extensive experience in pharmaceutical process development.

The role emphasizes teamwork, communication with clients, and making process modifications in a laboratory setting. Excellent written and oral communication, along with strong analytical skills, are critical for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of modern organic synthesis methodologies.
• Hands-on experience in pharmaceutical/chemical process development.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and advice capacity.

Responsibilities

• Design and carry out multistep organic syntheses.
• Conduct literature searches to base design of alternate routes.
• Communicate effectively with clients and prepare R&D reports.

Skills

HPLC

GC

MS

Automated reactor platforms

In-situ reaction monitoring

Strong written and oral communication skills

Time-management skills

Technical document drafting

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with 6 years experience

M.S. with 10 years experience

B.S. with 14 years experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

ChemDraw

Job description

Job Overview

• Design and carry out multistep organic syntheses, isolation, and purification of targeted products.
• Possess a strong understanding of modern organic synthesis methodologies.
• Have a thorough understanding of modern analytical and spectroscopic techniques and be able to interpret corresponding data and spectra.
• Conduct literature searches to base design of alternate routes to target compounds, and discuss findings with colleagues.
• Carry out laboratory syntheses and purification techniques on scales ranging from milligrams to several kilograms, and design and implement process modifications.
• Manage projects on time without supervision and author comprehensive reports for internal and customer use.
• Work closely with chemistry and analytical laboratory staff to coordinate project activities and resource usage.
• Promote teamwork and cooperation within the group.
• Operate laboratory safely, following the chemical hygiene plan, demonstrating safety awareness and proper disposal practices, and maintaining compliance with all regulations at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Communicate effectively, both in written reports and verbal presentations, and participate in project team meetings with customers.
• Coordinate with manufacturing and GMP operations to align project related equipment and activities.
• Maintain a clean, safe laboratory work area.

Responsibilities

• Optimize existing chemical routes and develop alternate chemistries toward key synthetic intermediates and APIs.
• Carry out multistep chemical synthesis and product isolation/purification operations in the laboratory, independently or as part of an integrated team.
• Use modern analytical tools to determine the identity and purity of products.
• Communicate with clients in regular team meetings and prepare R&D reports at the conclusion of projects.

Qualifications/Skills

• Advanced knowledge of HPLC, GC, MS, automated reactor platforms, and in‑situ reaction monitoring.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, able to interact with clients independently.
• Proven problem‑solving ability and capability to lead investigations.
• Excellent time‑management skills, able to handle projects without supervision while maintaining regular check‑ins with the manager.
• Demonstrated mentorship and development of peers, supporting departmental initiatives.
• Ability to draft and review technical documents, SOPs, and maintain a good laboratory notebook while practicing GDP.
• Leadership in local project teams, guiding clients to desired outcomes and managing key local laboratory initiatives.
• Recognition as a scientific leader within the organization, with a record of operational excellence and support for system‑level change initiatives.

Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with a minimum of 6 years of experience, or M.S. with a minimum of 10 years of experience, or B.S. with a minimum of 14 years of experience in a laboratory environment, preferably in pharmaceutical/chemical process development.
• Hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical/chemical process development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft software (SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ChemDraw.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Cambrex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative 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.