Scientist, Process Sciences

Reference: 630256Posted: 2026-09-03Location: Cambridge, MassachusettsCompany: Planet Pharma GroupContact: ApplicationsEmail: View email address on click.appcast.io SummaryWe are seeking a Contract Scientist I to support the development and optimization of solid-phase synthesis processes, with an emphasis on understanding and improving reactor performance, fluid and mass transfer, and solid-support behavior.The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with solid-phase chemical processes, packed-bed reactors, fluidized-bed reactors, heterogeneous reaction systems, or related reactor technologies. Direct experience with oligonucleotide synthesis is beneficial but not required. Candidates with relevant backgrounds in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical process development, peptide synthesis, polymer chemistry, chromatography, catalysis, or other solid-liquid reaction systems are encouraged to apply.This position will work closely with scientists and engineers to design and execute laboratory experiments, characterize reactor performance, troubleshoot process limitations, and generate data to support the development and scale-up of solid-phase synthesis technologies.Key Responsibilities· Design and execute laboratory experiments supporting solid-phase synthesis process development and optimization.· Support evaluation of reactor configurations, including packed-bed, fluidized-bed, mixed-bed, or other solid-liquid reactor systems.· Investigate the impact of operating parameters such as flow rate, pressure, mixing, residence time, solvent composition, temperature, and solid loading on process performance.· Characterize fluid distribution, pressure drop, mass-transfer behavior, swelling, mixing, and other properties of solid-support systems.· Assist with development and optimization of synthesis operations including reagent delivery, reaction, washing, and deprotection steps.· Troubleshoot reactor and process performance using experimental data and fundamental engineering/scientific principles.· Design experiments to understand relationships between reactor hydrodynamics, solid-support properties, reaction kinetics, and product quality.· Analyze experimental data, identify trends, and communicate conclusions and recommendations to the project team.· Maintain clear and complete experimental documentation in accordance with established laboratory and development practices.· Collaborate cross-functionally with scientists, engineers, analytical teams, and equipment vendors as needed.· Contribute to technical reports, presentations, experimental protocols, and process-development documentation.Minimum Qualifications· Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or a related scientific/engineering discipline; or· Master’s degree with at least 3 years of relevant industry or research experience.· Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience with chemical reaction systems, process development, or solid-liquid processing.· Experience designing experiments, analyzing quantitative data, and independently troubleshooting experimental systems.· Strong understanding of fundamental concepts related to reaction engineering, fluid flow, mass transfer, or chemical process development.· Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary development team.· Strong technical documentation and communication skills.Preferred QualificationsExperience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:· Packed-bed reactor systems· Fluidized-bed reactors· Solid-liquid or heterogeneous reaction systems· Solid-phase chemical synthesis· Oligonucleotide or peptide synthesis· Polymer-supported reactions or functionalized resin systems· Chromatography or other packed-column operations· Reactor hydrodynamics and residence-time distribution· Mass-transfer and reaction-engineering studies· Scale-up of laboratory chemical processes· Process equipment design, modification, or troubleshooting· Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical analysisIdeal Candidate ProfileThe strongest candidate does not necessarily need prior oligonucleotide experience. We are particularly interested in scientists or engineers who can bring a strong understanding of how fluids, reagents, and solid particles interact within a reactor and apply those principles to an emerging solid-phase synthesis platform.Candidates with experience developing or studying packed beds, fluidized beds, chromatography columns, catalytic reactors, polymer/resin systems, peptide synthesis, or similar solid-liquid processes may be particularly well suited for this role.Pay ranges between 45-53/hr based on experience