Principal Process Chemist - Peptides

CordenPharma is a leading full-service contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and pharmaceutical Drug Products (DP) with packaging capabilities. Our services enable pharmaceutical and biotech companies to manufacture medicines with the goal of improving people’s lives. Our network in Europe and the U.S. offers flexible and specialized solutions across five technology platforms: Peptides, Lipids, & Carbohydrates; Injectables; Highly Potent & Oncology; and Small Molecules.

About the role

Responsible for providing strong technical leadership and documentation support for development and manufacturing processes. Leads the planning and execution of multi-step syntheses from laboratory to full commercialization, emphasizing the creative application of literature and theoretical concepts to design cost-effective processes. Works within a team-oriented environment with professionals from diverse disciplines to conduct research, analysis, synthesis, experimentation, and documentation for process development, implementation, registration, validation, and improvement.

Responsibilities

• Ensures chemistry meets cost, yield, throughput, and QEH&S goals for assigned processes.
• Leads large and/or multiple teams in peptide process development, transfer, or technology implementation at lab or plant scale.
• Develops and supports scalable peptide processes, providing technical expertise during lab and plant operations.
• Supplies management with project data to facilitate budgeting for development, transfer, and technology implementation.
• Develops and executes procedures, processes, and methods to solve chemical and technical problems at lab and plant scale.
• Conducts research and development to improve manufacturing processes.
• Serves as a technical expert consulted by others for advice on specialized areas.
• Adheres to GDP and SOPs in all aspects of work.
• Leads teams in the development, troubleshooting, transfer, and improvement of chemical and analytical processes.
• Provides regular reports and actively solicits feedback from management.
• Demonstrates leadership in process chemistry aspects of manufacturing, including interdisciplinary team collaboration.
• Identifies and implements continuous improvement projects for business benefit.
• Maintains thorough documentation in laboratory notebooks, reports, and campaign records.
• Understands and applies regulatory requirements (cGMPs, GDP, FDA, ICH, PSM, OSHA, EPA) and process hazard analysis.
• Develops expertise in products and processes, recognized as an expert within and outside the site.
• Contributes to Corden’s business goals and strategy development.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree (PhD) in Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry, plus 5 years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Peptide synthesis and purification experience required.
• Working knowledge of plant-scale unit operations, scale-up, and plant design considerations.
• Understanding of chemical reactivity, potential exotherms, cross-reactivity, side products, and waste streams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), statistical analysis programs, ChemDraw, SciFinder, Laboratory Information Management System, and business systems (SAP).
• Domestic and international travel required.

Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences, including management and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to apply principles of logical and scientific thinking to complex problems.
• Proficiency in mathematical computations, including rates, ratios, percentages, and graph interpretation.
• Experience with statistical design of experiments and drawing conclusions from results.
• Negotiation and influencing skills.
• Proactive problem identification and resolution.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented, interdisciplinary environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning and innovation in technical approaches.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching: 100% of the first 6% contributed, 100% vested after 2 years of service.
• Accident Plan
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Insurance PPO/HSA
• Hospital Indemnity Plan
• ID Theft Protection
• Life Insurance
• Paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness Program
• Vacation: Three weeks in the first year
• Vision Insurance

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit.
• Occasionally required to use hands, reach above shoulder height, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Frequently exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and low levels of toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, outside weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.

Job extended to June 30, 2026.