Chemist II

Build your future at Curia, where our work has the power to save lives. Curia is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with over 30 years of experience partnering with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to provide life-saving treatments to patients. At Curia, we are on a mission to advance our customers’ therapies from curiosity to cure and ultimately to improve patients’ lives.

About the role

The Chemist II performs routine and moderately complex analytical testing to support pharmaceutical manufacturing operations and customer requirements. This role independently conducts testing of raw materials, in-process materials, finished products, stability samples, plant water, and particulate samples using validated analytical methods and laboratory instrumentation. The Chemist II analyzes and interprets test results, identifies and investigates atypical findings, executes laboratory protocols, and prepares accurate technical documentation in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), data integrity requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform routine and moderately complex analytical testing of raw materials, in-process samples, finished products, stability samples, plant water, and particulate samples in accordance with approved procedures, validated methods, and regulatory requirements.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain standard laboratory instrumentation, including balances, pipettes, pH meters, UV/Visible spectrophotometers, Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyzers, and other applicable analytical equipment.
• Accurately document laboratory activities, test results, observations, and conclusions in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP), data integrity requirements, and applicable quality standards.
• Execute analytical protocols, prepare technical reports, complete data summaries, and support method transfers, new product onboarding activities, and laboratory implementation projects.
• Analyze and interpret analytical data, identify trends or atypical results, support basic laboratory investigations, and apply root cause analysis and risk assessment tools to assist with problem resolution.
• Review laboratory documentation, analytical data, and test results for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established procedures.
• Enter and maintain analytical data within applicable laboratory data management systems and perform data review activities, including basic tracking and trending of results.
• Participate in the development, review, and revision of standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring alignment with current laboratory practices, regulatory expectations, and quality requirements.
• Train and provide guidance to less experienced laboratory personnel on analytical methods, equipment operation, procedures, and laboratory practices as needed.
• Participate in internal and external training programs to maintain technical knowledge, regulatory awareness, and proficiency in laboratory techniques and quality systems.
• Prepare laboratory supplies, equipment, and documentation required to support manufacturing activities and analytical testing operations.
• Assist with the qualification, evaluation, and implementation of new laboratory equipment, analytical procedures, and process improvements.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, organization, housekeeping, and audit readiness in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), cGMP requirements, and company standards.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and other cross-functional teams to support testing requirements, resolve technical issues, and meet production schedules.
• Maintain proficiency in aseptic gowning procedures and comply with requirements for entry into aseptic processing areas.
• Maintain required DEA clearance and comply with applicable requirements for handling controlled substances, where applicable.
• Adhere to all safety, regulatory, quality, and company policies to ensure a compliant and safe working environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field of study.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in chemistry or related role.
• Minimum of two (2) years of aseptic/sterile experience in a pharmaceutical or related industry (preferred).

Skills

• Ability to read and interpret various documents, such as safety instructions, standard operating procedures, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with effective presentation skills.
• Proficient in executing arithmetic operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division across various units of measurement, employing whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
• Strong grasp of algebraic and geometric principles.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Strong technical foundation and proven capability in effectively utilizing diverse software tools, including manufacturing and internet software, alongside proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook).
• Leads with integrity and respect.
• Provides guidance, coaching, and mentorship to team members.
• Demonstrates business acumen and fosters a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Champions change and promotes a safe and healthy work environment by actively identifying and addressing potential hazards.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proficient in the use of operational theories of all common laboratory equipment.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to perform independent work related to projects and/or routine activities.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure with limited supervision.

Other Qualifications

• Must pass a background check.
• Must pass a drug screen.
• May be required to pass Occupational Health Screening.

Benefits

• Generous benefit options (eligible first day of employment).
• Paid training, vacation, and holidays (vacation accrual begins on first day of employment).
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Education reimbursement.
• 401K program with matching contributions.
• Learning platform.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regular or occasional lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 10 pounds frequently; up to 25 pounds occasionally; and up to 50 pounds infrequently.
• Regular sitting, standing, and reaching, with some roles requiring prolonged periods of time for each activity.
• Visual acuity, both close and distant, along with depth perception is necessary in each role, with or without corrective lenses. Employees are prohibited from wearing contact lenses in work areas with exposure to cleaning agents.
• Hand and finger dexterity are integral to all positions, with specific activities varying from typing to manipulating maintenance tools or operating keypads, switches, and buttons.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, twisting, crouching, crawling, and balancing.
• Certain roles may involve climbing and working at elevated heights.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee may be required to work in an office, manufacturing, or warehouse environment.
• The office environment is designed for comfort and productivity, with room temperature settings maintained for optimal working conditions. It is common to hear conversational noise in the background.
• The pharmaceutical manufacturing environment is sterile, requiring aseptic gowning. Personal protective equipment (nitrile gloves, clean room socks, face-shields, safety glasses, aprons, steel-toed shoes, and powered air purifying respirators) is necessary, depending upon the task at hand.
• The employee may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, confined areas, and refrigerator or freezer temperatures when working in a sterile environment.
• The warehouse environment is typically set at a controlled temperature but the employee may be exposed to refrigerator or freezer temperatures when retrieving materials.
• Some positions may occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical parts, elevated heights, airborne particles, electrical activities, and vibration.
• Some positions may work with or be exposed to compressed gases and must wear ear protection.
• All environments may be subject to working with or being exposed to cleaning agents.