Chemical Development Principal Scientist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Chemical Development Principal Scientist
Job Description

Design and execute multistep organic syntheses, isolations, and purifications of targeted products. This role requires a strong understanding of modern organic synthesis methodologies and analytical techniques to interpret data and spectra effectively.

Responsibilities

• Design and carry out multistep organic syntheses, isolation, and purification of targeted products.
• Conduct literature searches for specific target compounds and design alternate synthetic routes.
• Engage in continuous professional development to stay current with scientific literature.
• Carry out laboratory syntheses and purification techniques on scales ranging from milligrams to several kilograms.
• Design and implement process modifications.
• Manage projects independently, ensuring they are completed on time.
• Author and review comprehensive reports for internal and customer use.
• Collaborate with chemistry and analytical laboratory staff to coordinate project activities.
• Promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation within the group.
• Conduct laboratory operations safely and maintain familiarity with the company's chemical hygiene plan.
• Follow responsible actions regarding chemical disposal and maintain compliance with regulations.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and participate in project team meetings with customers.
• Coordinate project-related equipment and activities with manufacturing and GMP operations.

• Expertise in chemistry, chemical development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Proficiency in method validation, organic synthesis, and scale-up processes.
• Experience with human API scale-up.
• Ability to manage projects independently and author comprehensive reports.
• Strong communication skills for interpersonal interactions and presentations.

• PhD in Chemistry with 6+ years of experience, MS in Chemistry with 10+ years of experience, or BS in Chemistry with 14+ years of experience in a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to scale up pharmaceutical processes.

Work is conducted Monday through Friday during standard business hours, totaling a 40-hour work week. Some flexibility may be required. The company offers comprehensive onboarding within a regulated environment, supported by mentorship. Employees have opportunities for career growth through traditional scientist-level progression or a technical track, with ongoing feedback and annual performance reviews.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Charles City, IA.

The pay range for this position is $113822.00 - $133557.00/yr.

PTO, vacation, Medical, Dental, Vision

This is a fully onsite position in Charles City,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.