Postdoctoral Scientist

About the Role

The Postdoctoral Scientist - Chemical R&D is an entry-level scientific role designed to provide structured training in chemical research and development. The position focuses on optimizing existing synthetic routes and exploring alternative chemistry for key intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This fellowship will last a minimum of 10 to 12 months and is intended to culminate in either a promotion to a Senior Scientist 1 - CRD position or an extension of training, based on performance and business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out multistep organic syntheses, isolation, and purification of targeted products under supervision or direction of a senior member of the team.
• Independently or collaboratively perform multistep chemical syntheses, including isolation and purification of products.
• Utilize modern analytical techniques to assess product identity and purity throughout the project lifecycle.
• Participate in frequent meetings with assigned mentor.
• Participate in client meetings.
• Prepare comprehensive R&D reports upon project completion.
• Coordinate project activities and resource usage with minimal supervision.
• 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.
• Work closely with manufacturing and GMP operations to coordinate project related equipment and activities.
• Maintain a clean, safe laboratory work area.
• Work with and handle hazardous materials and wastes. Must have the appropriate qualifications to read, understand, apply, and communicate written and verbal information regarding handling and managing hazardous wastes. Training is required within six months of assuming duty and once a year thereafter. Responsible for recognizing emergency situations concerning hazardous materials and wastes.
• Assist in advising clients on key regulatory guidance with manager input.
• Share key ideas across the group.
• Support key OE initiatives.
• Locally support changes associated with larger Cambrex initiatives.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Basic understanding of modern organic synthesis methodologies.
• Fundamental understanding of modern analytical and spectroscopic techniques and may possess the ability to interpret the corresponding data and spectra.
• Proficiency to carry out laboratory syntheses and purification techniques on scales ranging from milligrams to several kilograms.
• Ability to write comprehensive reports at the conclusion of projects for internal and customer use.
• Demonstrated understanding of GMP as it relates to current work.
• Good fundamental understanding and ability to use/investigate issues with HPLC, GC.
• May have some experience with In-situ reaction monitoring and/or automated reactor platforms.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to handle client requests with manager review.
• Able to solve problems in the workplace and helps to lead investigations with manager support.
• Good understanding of time management and can self-organize with or without supervision.
• Ability to write and review reports and technical documents with minimal RFT errors, keep current lab notebook while practicing GDP.
• Actively participates in regular internal project team meetings, including submission of key technical reports; organizes group level initiatives within the larger scientific team.
• Known as a solid scientific contributor within the department/group.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SharePoint, and Chemdraw.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a closely related discipline is required.
• Hands-on experience in a laboratory setting is essential.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, along with interpersonal and organizational abilities, are critical for success in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.
• Good understanding of the Principles of Organic Chemistry.
• Basic understanding of the principles of cross-functional departments, including analytical chemistry and/or engineering.
• With manager input, can help to advise clients on key regulatory strategies.
• Some active work, exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or the amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The daily work is performed primarily in a laboratory setting. Walking and standing are required regularly.
• Position also requires visual acuity, talking and fingering.
• Involves regular use of basic PPE (personal protective equipment) such as supplied air respirator, negative pressure respirator, gloves, safety glasses, shielding clothing.