Senior Scientist, Process Development - Medicines Institute

Position: Senior Scientist, Process Development - Medicines for All Institute

Job Summary

M4

ALL, a part of Virginia Commonwealth University, is an entrepreneurial, impact-oriented institute dedicated to dramatically improving global access to lifesaving medicines. We achieve this through synthetic process innovation and advanced technology deployment to reduce costs and waste in small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production. Our API process development services support treatments for diseases such as TB, malaria, HIV, oncology, metabolic diseases, CNS, and immunology.

We work in service to – and partnership with – non-profit organizations and translational research-focused companies and institutes.

Position:
Senior Scientist, Process Development

This role encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities including small molecule process research and development, project leadership, and partner relationship management. Our new colleague will be responsible for building the scientific excellence of the Institute by delivering superior research results in the field of synthetic organic chemistry.

API Process Development - Project Leadership

• Lead project teams in the development of 1st generation (clinical) and 2nd generation (commercial) API manufacturing processes as needed. Deliver process development innovation excellence - ensuring scalability, efficiency, cost-effectiveness and safety.
• Act as the primary technical liaison for clients and partners, fostering strong relationships and delivering high-impact outcomes.
• Deliver timely, high-quality customer engagements through diligent project management and regular, solutions-driven communications (oral and written). Adhere to mutually agreed priorities and delivery timelines, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and a service mindset.
• Apply deep process chemistry expertise across route scouting, optimization, scale-up, and tech transfer as part of the API lifecycle.
• Collaborate seamlessly with Analytical, MSAT, EHS, Commercial, and Project Management teams to meet project milestones on time and within budget.

API Process Development – Individual Contribution

• Lead, conduct, and thoroughly document literature reviews for target chemical transformations and APIs. Identify and classify reported strategies. Articulate process improvement opportunities, reflecting expert understanding of manufacturing norms.
• Design and evaluate synthetic routes to target APIs and intermediates with a focus on cost, sustainability, minimization of chemical steps / unit operations, and safety.
• Develop and execute hypothesis-driven experiments. Translate results into new experiments that will lead to lower costs and/or process improvements.
  • In process research (route scouting), assess many valid reaction conditions and identify trends for improved outcomes.
  • In process development (optimization), perform careful, data-rich experiments that create robust knowledge of the chemical system and transformation.
• Leverage high-throughput experimentation equipment and software (including automation, DOE) to accelerate development and build M4
  
  ALL reaction databases
• Deliver results in a high-pace and time-sensitive environment.
• Demonstrate robust data interpretation. Incorporate data-driven insights into reports and designs for chemical process improvement.
• Maintain a detailed, accurate, and up-to-date electronic lab notebook (ELN) to ensure robust knowledge management

Project Management

• Demonstrate timely and proficient use of M4
  
  ALL's project management tools to support internal coordination and client communication
• Demonstrate project budget awareness and good stewardship in the purchase and use of consumables, reagents, solvents, key starting materials and intermediates.
• Track timelines and deliverables, escalating risks proactively to maintain transparency.

Strategy Development & Execution

• Support the development of new technology platforms that accelerate drug substance development and differentiate M4
  
  ALL's technical offerings. (Advanced Chemistry Technology).
• Continuously evaluate and improve work processes to drive M4
  
  ALL's operational excellence, with the aim of constantly improving customer / collaborator experience.

Interdepartmental and External…