Production Support Chemist

Summary of Role

The Production Support Chemist is accountable for driving results in a fast-paced environment by executing chemical reactions for programs in the commercial portfolio on a gram to multi-kilogram scale and performing routine analytical procedures to monitor reaction progress. This role requires the incumbent to efficiently organize work and properly evaluate and communicate generated data. Exercises judgment to determine appropriate action. The position requires execution of the Sterling Values and non-negotiables, as well as expertise in functional competencies included in this position profile. The key function of the role is to troubleshoot, identify root cause, and provide a path forward for issues that occur at plant scale during manufacturing. Additionally, a successful candidate will be able to identify areas of improvement, conduct lab scale experiments, write reports and provide recommendations to implement at plant scale. This support chemist will act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for chemical syntheses for all programs under the commercial portfolio.

Essential Functions

• Executes synthesis activities from gram to multi-kilogram scale.
• Performs routine analytical procedures (e.g., KF, NMR, HPLC, XRPD, etc…) necessary for support of development activities.
• Writes project documentation (notebook entries, protocols, and reports).
• Serves as a technical contact for projects that transfer internally to the production groups (e.g., research kilo laboratory to GMP kilo laboratory, or kilo laboratory to plant).
• Conducts manufacturing investigations associated with commercial products and writes investigation reports.
• Performs routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Ensures timely completion of CGMP and other required training and compliance with CGMP.
• Works closely with project team engineers and analytical scientists to manage the lifecycle of commercial programs.

Key Competencies

• Ability to perform chemical reactions at laboratory scale, isolate and purify reaction products, and analyze reaction mixtures and products using techniques such as LC, NMR, infrared spectroscopy, and Karl Fischer titration.
• Ability to analyze results and propose appropriate follow-up.
• Ability to read, analyze, interpret, review, and improve company documents, professional journals, and governmental regulations and to write, review, and improve reports, business correspondence, and procedures.
• Ability to effectively present information verbally, respond to questions from colleagues and customers, and train other Sterling employees.
• Ability to perform complex math functions and to create and interpret graphs and charts.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field required with minimum 1-2 years relevant experience, GMP experience preferred.

Other Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• This position is eligible for a flexible schedule.
• This position is not eligible for remote / hybrid work location.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• The noise level is moderate to noisy.
• The employee may be occasionally exposed to airborne particles and fumes.
• The employee may be occasionally exposed to chemicals.
• Must have the ability to wear PPE as required.
• The employee may occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration.