Process Development Chemist
PolyPeptide US
Summary
At PolyPeptide, your work directly impacts life-changing medicines. As a Process Development Chemist, you’ll be hands-on in peptide manufacturing, working with advanced synthesis, purification, and drying processes in a collaborative GMP environment. This is an ideal role for a chemist who enjoys precision, ownership, and seeing their work move from lab to customer.
Job description
Why You’ll Love This Role
At PolyPeptide, your work directly impacts life-changing medicines. As a Process Development Chemist, you’ll be hands-on in peptide manufacturing, working with advanced synthesis, purification, and drying processes in a collaborative GMP environment. This is an ideal role for a chemist who enjoys precision, ownership, and seeing their work move from lab to customer.
You’ll contribute to high-quality peptide production while building deep technical expertise alongside experienced chemists, all while upholding PolyPeptide’s commitment to safety, quality, and on-time delivery.
What You’ll Do
- Execute peptide synthesis, purification, and drying operations in accordance with SOPs and Batch Production Records (BPRs)
- Set up and verify reactor systems for proper operation
- Measure, mix, and prepare chemical ingredients with accuracy and care
- Monitor reaction progress and respond appropriately to ensure complete processing
- Perform intermediate chemical processing steps under established safety and process guidelines
- Prepare solutions for purification and purify crude peptides using HPLC
- Conduct lyophilization and drying processes per validated procedures
- Perform in-process analytical HPLC checks and communicate results to senior chemists
- Make basic go/no-go processing decisions based on established criteria
- Identify, report, and assist with troubleshooting equipment or process issues
- Maintain high standards for safety, cleanliness, and GMP compliance
- Support additional tasks as needed to meet production goals
What You Bring
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
- 2+ years of professional experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology laboratory
Technical Skills
- Hands-on experience with HPLC systems
- Working knowledge of cGMP environments and documentation
Professional Skills
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams)
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision
- Flexibility to adapt quickly in a fast-paced, priority-shifting environment
- Exceptional technical writing skills with strong attention to detail
- Excellent organization, communication, and multitasking abilities
Core Competencies
- Chemical process execution and monitoring
- Peptide purification and analytical techniques
- GMP compliance and documentation accuracy
- Attention to detail and quality mindset
- Team collaboration and adaptability
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Work may occur in office, laboratory, or GMP manufacturing environments
- Gowning and PPE required for lab and production settings
- Physical demands may include standing or sitting for extended periods, lifting up to 25 lbs, repetitive lab tasks, and equipment operation
- Exposure to chemicals, equipment noise, and temperature-controlled environments
- Occasional evening, weekend, or overtime hours may be required
- Reasonable accommodations provided as needed
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering
- 2+ years of professional experience in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology laboratory
- Hands-on experience with HPLC systems
- Working knowledge of cGMP environments and documentation
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams)
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision
- Flexibility to adapt quickly in a fast-paced, priority-shifting environment
- Exceptional technical writing skills with strong attention to detail
- Excellent organization, communication, and multitasking abilities
Company overview
PolyPeptide US is the American subsidiary of PolyPeptide Group, a specialized Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) focused on peptide- and oligonucleotide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). As part of a global network with facilities in Europe, the U.S., and India, PolyPeptide US operates manufacturing sites in Torrance, California and San Diego, California. The company serves pharmaceutical and biotech clients worldwide, supporting peptide projects from early research through pre-GMP development, large-scale GMP manufacturing, and commercialization. With expertise in synthetic peptides and oligonucleotides used as APIs or intermediates in therapeutic products, PolyPeptide US contributes to treatments for metabolic diseases, including GLP-1 therapies. The company maintains six GMP-certified facilities globally and has been operating since 1952, with the corporate entity founded in 1996. PolyPeptide Group's shares are listed on SIX Swiss Exchange (PPGN), reflecting its position as a leading player in the fast-growing peptide manufacturing market.