Process Development Engineer, Chemistry

About the role

We're seeking an experienced Process Development Engineer, Chemistry to join the Process Chemistry and Manufacturing team at Aralez Bio. This role will be a key, hands-on contributor to the process development, scale-up, and manufacturing operations for the production of a variety of non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs).

• Execute various chemical unit operations (biocatalytic and chemical reactions, filtrations, purifications, etc.) to produce high-quality noncanonical amino acid products, in collaboration with the Production team.
• Set up, operate, monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment, including chemical reactors at various scales (10L, 100L, 1000L), filters, pumps, and other equipment and parts.
• Follow and assist in development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and batch records to ensure accurate and consistent production.
• Maintain raw material & product inventories. Perform container change-outs for products and raw materials including chemicals and solvents. Perform "scale-up" and "scale-down" procedures for chemical reactions and unit operations, including optimization and troubleshooting, to ensure successful and efficient transfer from lab-scale (milligram to gram) to pilot-scale (kilogram) and eventual manufacturing scale (multi-kilogram to ton).
• Communicate important production details (verbally and in writing). Complete appropriate documentation (e.g. batch records, log books as required), following good documentation practices.
• Participate in ongoing training to develop technical skills and enhance your understanding of chemical manufacturing processes.
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance activities during production downtime. Clean and maintain equipment after production runs.
• Follow Safety Protocols: Adhere to safety regulations and protocols.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or a related discipline, with a minimum of 4-years hands-on industrial experience in an organic chemistry, process chemistry, or chemical production environment.
• Meticulous and detail-oriented approach to all tasks and motivation to to learn and improve process and functions.
• Ability to consistently follow technical procedures and accurately document all work performed.
• Ability to apply principles, theories and concepts, and propose a course of action for operational logistics and issues.
• Effective communications: Providing consistent, thorough documentation, coordinating/talking in-person with the team.
• Proven abilities working with chemical reactors, filters, and pumps in a pilot and/or manufacturing facility (equipment setup, operation, optimization, monitoring, and basic troubleshooting/repairs).
• Experience with chemical reactor sizes ranging from 100L to 1,000L and drum quantities of chemicals.
• Ability to safely and effectively handle and transfer solutions (up to drum size).
• Working knowledge of quality requirements, best practices, and working under SOPs in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong commitment to safety, working as a team, and operational excellence.
• Ensuring compliance of machinery with industry standards.
• Physical requirements: This is a physical role where you'll be on your feet for much of the work day. You must be able to exert up to 40 lbs of force occasionally, up to 20 lbs of force frequently, and 10 lbs force constantly to move objects. Additionally, you will move around in small spaces (kneeling, squatting, stooping), climb ladders, and reach upward/downward.
• Safety requirements: This role requires an understanding of and adherence to protocols and best practices for safety in this environment, which includes working with toxic chemicals.

Qualifications

• Comfortable but careful: Great precision, attention, and care is required for safety and quality of work. You maintain high standards in the work with calm diligence.