Principal Scientist I or II - Synthetic Chemist, Process Development Engineering & Safety - FSP

We are looking to fill a Principal Scientist I or II position working as a full-time employee of Parexel FSP on assignment onsite at one of our clients located in Rahway, NJ. This position offers full benefits, sick time, 401K, paid holidays, and paid time off.
This position does not offer sponsorship.

Description

The Chemical Engineering Research and Development department of one of our clients in Rahway, NJ is seeking a motivated and technically focused chemist who is looking for an opportunity to develop and optimize chemical process steps combining a series of typical chemical engineering unit operations used in the specialty chemical and pharmaceutical industries (e.g. reactions, extractions, distillations, crystallizations, filtrations, drying). The individual would do this as part of project teams working together on chemical processes combining multiple chemical steps in order to bring new active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) through the R&D pipeline from early through late-stage development.

This position is largely a laboratory-based role to support chemical process development performed at scales spanning the range from grams to multi-kilogram scale in order to understand scale-up issues, improve process robustness, quality, safety, environmental footprint and yield, troubleshoot issues, optimize, and deliver process intermediates and/or APIs. This role requires the ability to work in the lab with a variety of chemicals, use an array of manual and automated laboratory reactors/equipment and process/analytical instruments.

Deskwork will involve planning, analysis, and documentation of laboratory experiments, and writing clear and concise reports. The role offers fast-paced, hands-on research that requires a high degree of technical skills and contributions.

Qualifications

• Principal Scientist I
  - PhD in Chemistry or closely related field (Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Research Sciences, Material Sciences, etc.); or MS degree in Chemistry or a closely related field (Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Research Sciences, Material Sciences, etc.) with 3+ years of professional experience in pharma/biopharma industry.

• Principal Scientist II
  - PhD with 1-3 years of experience in in pharma/biopharma industry (can include post doc), or MS degree with 5+ years of professional experience (as stated above).

Required Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated experience with chemical process development, scale-up, and unit operations including reactions, extractions, distillations, crystallizations, filtrations, and drying.

• Strong laboratory skills with the ability to safely handle a wide variety of chemicals, execute experiments, and generate, analyze, and document data in compliance with safety and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) expectations.

• Knowledge of chemistry theory and practice, including process robustness, quality, yield, and environmental considerations.

• Ability to work accurately and safely in a fast-paced, regulated laboratory environment with minimal supervision.

• Proficiency with computers and experience using local and web-based software tools (e.g., MS Office, data analysis tools).

• Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills to effectively collaborate within cross-functional project teams.

• Demonstrated ability to follow established procedures, policies, and guidelines to meet safety, environmental, and quality requirements.

• Initiative and independence to develop, apply, and improve laboratory systems, methods, and best practices.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Hands‑on experience with laboratory reactor and process equipment, including automated systems such as Mettler Toledo Easy Max/Optimax.

• Experience using in‑situ or off‑line analytical and…