Cambrex
** Chemical Development, Senior Scientist - Process Chemist (Charles City, IA) TALENT PIPELINE-Future Opportunities

US-IA-Charles City

Job ID: 2026-4650
Type: Regular Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Research & Development
Cambrex - Charles City

Overview

Position is directed toward optimization of existing chemical routes and development of alternate chemistry toward key synthetic intermediates and APIs. Carries out multistep chemical synthesis and product isolation/purification operations in the laboratory, independently or as part of an integrated team. Chemist utilizes modern analytical tools to determine identity and purity of products made during projects. Communication with clients in regular team meetings; prepares R&D reports at the conclusion of projects.

Responsibilities

• • Design and carry out multistep organic syntheses, isolation, and purification of targeted products.
  • Must possess a strong understanding of modern organic synthesis methodologies.
  • Must have a thorough understanding of modern analytical and spectroscopic techniques and be able to interpret the corresponding data and spectra.
  • Ability to conduct literature searches for specific target compounds and be able to use the literature to base a design of alternate routes to these compounds. Requires ongoing professional development to keep abreast of current scientific literature and discuss these findings with colleagues.
  • Must demonstrate a proficiency to carry out laboratory syntheses and purification techniques on scales ranging from milligrams to several kilograms, and design and implement process modifications.
  • Requires excellent time management with the ability to manage projects on-time without supervision.
  • Ability to author and review comprehensive reports at the conclusion of projects for internal and customer use.
  • Work closely with other chemistry and analytical laboratory staff to coordinate project activities and resource usage.
  • Work to ensure that a spirit of teamwork and cooperation always exists within the group.
  • Conduct laboratory operations in a safe manner. Maintain familiarity with the company’s chemical hygiene plan. Exhibit safety awareness and safe work practices.
  • Follow responsible actions regarding chemical disposal. Maintain compliance with all regulations at the federal, state, and local levels.
  • Must demonstrate effective communication skills (both interpersonal and presentations). Participate in project team meetings with customers.
  • Work closely with manufacturing and GMP operations to coordinate project related equipment and activities.
  All employees are required to adhere to EPA, DEA, FDA and cGMP regulations as they relate to the operation of the Company; and to adhere to all company safety rules and procedures. All employees are expected to report to work regularly and promptly. Other duties relating to departmental mission, not specifically detailed in this section may be assigned.

Qualifications / Skills
..

Qualifications

Entry level Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with no experience or M.S. in Chemistry or related field

with minimum 4 years of experience or B.S. degree in Chemistry or related field with 8 years of

experience in lab environment, pharmaceutical experience preferred.

Hands on experience in pharmaceutical/chemical process development.

Excellent verbal and written communication/interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and the ability to

work in a diverse team environment are essential.

Organic Chemistry Knowledge: Beginning to demonstrate an understanding of advanced theories in Organic Chemistry/Process Development. Cross Discipline Knowledge: Higher level of understanding of the principles of cross-functional departments, including analytical chemistry and engineering. GMP/Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of industrial GMP and practical application to Cambrex programs; Some ability to provide feedback to clients re: clinical strategy. Instrumentation: Advanced knowledge of HPLC, NMR, MS, automated reactor platforms, in-situ reaction monitoring, and ability to train and troubleshoot problems with equipment (and help others). Communication: Good written and oral communication skills, ability to communicate with clients without manager supervision. Problem Solving: Strong demonstration of problem solving, ability to lead investigations. Time Management: Able to maintain timeline of key activities and use time efficiently; ability to handle projects without supervision, though requires regular check-in with manager. Leadership: Demonstrated record of mentorship and development of peers, partner lines and ability to support initiatives within the department. Technical Documentation and Review: Ability to author and review key technical documents with minimal RFT errors. Can write new SOP with manager assistance, keep current lab notebook while practicing GDP. External Influence: Ability to lead local project teams and steer clients to desired outcomes; ability to work with management to develop key local laboratory-based initiatives. Industry Credibility and Rapport: Recognized scientific leader within the Cambrex organization, locally and possibly beginning to extend to other sites. Operational Excellence: Actively participates in key operational excellence initiatives. Change Orientation: Active participation and support for implementation of Cambrex system level changes/initiatives.

Cambrex is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Cambrex Charles City offers an extraordinary opportunity, a competitive salary, and an exceptional benefits package including medical, dental, vision care and prescription, life, LTD, STD; 401(k) with employer match; tuition reimbursement; and the ‘Arthur I. Mendolia Scholarship Program.’ Relocation assistance will be offered for this position.