Production Support Chemist

About the 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. The role requires efficient organization of work, proper evaluation and communication of generated data, and judgment to determine appropriate action. The incumbent will troubleshoot, identify root cause, and provide a path forward for issues that occur at plant scale during manufacturing, as well as identify areas of improvement, conduct lab‑scale experiments, write reports, and recommend implementations at plant scale. This chemist will act as the subject‑matter expert for chemical syntheses across all programs in the commercial portfolio.

Essential Functions

• Execute synthesis activities from gram to multi‑kilogram scale under supervision.
• Perform routine analytical procedures (e.g., Karl Fischer titration, NMR, HPLC, XRPD) to support development activities.
• Write project documentation, including notebook entries, protocols, and reports.
• Serve as a technical contact for projects transferring internally to production groups (e.g., research kilo laboratory to GMP kilo laboratory, or kilo laboratory to plant).
• Conduct manufacturing investigations associated with commercial products and write investigation reports.
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Ensure timely completion of CGMP and other required training and compliance with CGMP.
• Work 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 products, and analyze mixtures using LC, NMR, infrared spectroscopy, and Karl Fischer titration.
• Ability to analyze results and propose appropriate follow‑up actions.
• Proficiency in reading, analyzing, interpreting, and improving company documents, professional journals, and governmental regulations; skilled in writing and reviewing reports, business correspondence, and procedures.
• Effective verbal presentation skills, ability to respond to questions from colleagues and customers, and to train other employees.
• Capability to perform complex mathematical functions and to create and interpret graphs and charts.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to perform routine work without detailed instruction, receiving general guidance on new projects or assignments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related field (required).
• Minimum 1–2 years of relevant experience; GMP experience preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC and GC (required).
• The role level (I vs. II) will align with the candidate’s experience.

Other Requirements

• Eligible for a flexible schedule.
• Not eligible for remote or hybrid work location.
• Up to 5% travel required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk, hear, and smell.
• Frequently required to sit; occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 lb; frequently lift and/or move up to 25 lb; occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lb.
• Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Noise level is moderate to noisy; occasional exposure to airborne particles, fumes, chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and vibration.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

Diversity and Inclusion

Sterling values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, military service, marital status, gender identity or expression, medical condition (including genetic characteristics), or any other protected characteristic.

Why Consider Sterling?

Sterling Pharma Solutions is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with more than 50 years of experience in developing and manufacturing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The company also offers antibody‑drug conjugate (ADC) research and development bioconjugation services. With facilities in the UK and the US and a workforce of over 800 talented professionals, Sterling supports customers in bringing new medicines to market, improving and saving patients’ lives. The culture emphasizes a supportive team environment, first‑class science, and exceptional service to customers and employees alike.