Application Scientist
Valley Forge Pharma
Summary
The R&D Application Scientist will lead the development and optimization of applications based on Mainline Scientific's PWR technology. The position will develop and validate application methods and assays, generate application protocols and technical documentation, and support the evaluation and improvement of PWR-based products. The Application Scientist will also provide technical and application support to external customers, including troubleshooting, experimental design, application training, and protocol optimization. The role will work closely with R&D, software, engineering, manufacturing, sales/marketing, and other cross-functional teams to translate customer and application needs into practical product and application solutions.
Job description
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the development, optimization, and validation of new PWR applications through experimental design and execution.
- Collaborate with R&D, software, engineering, manufacturing, and sales/marketing teams to support product development, product launches, commercialization, and continuous product improvement.
- Develop application methods and assays for a variety of life science applications, including drug discovery, protein interaction analysis, biomolecular binding characterization, and other relevant applications.
- Analyze and interpret PWR experimental data and establish appropriate approaches for application performance evaluation, reproducibility, sensitivity, specificity, and data quality.
- Present application results and technical information to internal and external audiences, including customers, distributors, conferences, and webinars.
- Assist with preparation of technical materials for sales, marketing, customer training, and product launches.
- Provide technical and application support to external customers, including troubleshooting application issues, identifying root causes, and recommending practical solutions.
- Support customer proof-of-concept studies, application demonstrations, instrument evaluations, and technical training as needed.
- Work with customers and internal teams to understand application requirements and translate customer feedback into application and product development opportunities.
Education, License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications
Either Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field with some experience OR Master's degree in a relevant field with ~5 years of relevant experience.
Preferred Skills
- Hands-on PWR or SPR application development experience.
- Familiarity with label-free biosensor technologies and biomolecular interaction analysis.
- Experience with protein-protein, protein-small molecule, antibody-antigen, or other biomolecular interaction assays.
- Experience with customer-facing technical support, application training, instrument demonstrations, or field application support.
- Experience preparing application notes, technical reports, presentations, or other scientific communication materials.
Requirements
- Prior experience in application development based on PWR, SPR, BLI, or similar biosensor instruments
- Strong understanding of PWR technology or related label-free detection technologies
- Prior experience in research and development, preferably in analytical chemistry, surface chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, protein sciences, molecular biology, and/or assay development
- Hands-on experience with analytical chemistry or bioanalytical instruments, including surface plasmon resonance, spectroscopy, or other relevant technologies
- Strong analytical skills and proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, troubleshooting, and interpretation of experimental results
- Hands-on experience developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting biological or biochemical assays
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to explain technical concepts clearly
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
- Innovative thinking and a passion for developing new applications
- Either Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field with some experience OR Master's degree in a relevant field with ~5 years of relevant experience
Benefits
- Medical (HMO + PPO)
- Dental
- Vision
- Basic Life/AD&D
- Short-term Disability
- 401k with 4% match
- PTO: 15 days
- 5 sick days
- Holidays
Company overview
Valley Forge Pharma is a specialized peptide contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Founded with a vision to improve human life through high-quality peptides, the company offers comprehensive services spanning research-grade peptides, cGMP peptide API manufacturing, and CMC drug development. With over 40 years of combined experience in peptide synthesis, Valley Forge Pharma leverages solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), liquid-phase peptide synthesis (LPPS), ligation chemistry, and fragment condensation methodologies to produce peptides from gram scale to multi-kilogram scale (up to 5kg per batch). The company operates in Class 100K and 10K clean rooms with IQ, OQ, and PQ qualified equipment, strictly following FDA cGMP guidance (21 CFR 210/211) and ICH Q7 standards. Their services include process development, optimization, experimental design, and comprehensive analytical testing including mass spectral analysis, RP-HPLC purity determination, and peptide content analysis. Valley Forge Pharma serves pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners seeking reliable, high-quality peptide manufacturing for research, clinical development, and commercial supply.