Process Development Scientist - Torrance

Why this role matters

The transition from laboratory development to manufacturing is a critical step in delivering high-quality APIs to customers. In this role, you will help bridge that gap by applying your expertise in organic chemistry, peptide chemistry, purification, process development, and technology transfer.

You will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects, solve complex technical challenges, and support processes that are essential to pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.

What you will do

Plan and coordinate technology transfer activities from Development to Production, both onsite and across sites

Design, execute, and optimize synthetic processes for peptide and/or oligonucleotide API development

Perform intermediate chemical processing steps using established safety and process procedures

Check reactor systems for proper operation in accordance with SOPs and operating manuals

Monitor chemical reactions during processing and respond appropriately to ensure proper execution

Prepare solutions for purification

Interpret test results and take appropriate action to support acceptable processing

Purify crude peptide using HPLC under minimal supervision

Conduct lyophilization and drying processes according to established procedures

Perform in-process checks of fractions using analytical HPLC and report results to supervision or senior development personnel

Support troubleshooting of equipment and processing issues

Identify and report deviations, equipment concerns, or unresolved processing issues

Maintain high standards for safety, housekeeping, and cleanliness

Support cross-functional project teams with technical expertise

Perform additional duties aligned with the needs of the role and organization

What you bring

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline with at least 1 year of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience

Industry experience with a focus on organic chemistry

Strong knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry, process development, and analytical techniques

Experience with peptide chemistry and downstream purification preferred

Ability to interpret analytical results and apply sound scientific judgment

Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills

Ability to work independently while also collaborating with multidisciplinary teams

Strong communication skills and attention to detail

Preferred experience

Experience with peptide chemistry, oligonucleotide chemistry, or API development

Experience with HPLC purification, analytical HPLC, lyophilization, and drying processes

Experience with scale-up and technology transfer into manufacturing environments

Familiarity with cGMP requirements and regulatory expectations for clinical or commercial manufacturing

Experience working in a CDMO, pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated manufacturing environment

What makes you successful in this role

You are hands-on, scientifically curious, and comfortable working in a technical development environment. You know how to approach complex chemistry challenges with structure and attention to detail, while keeping safety, quality, and scalability in mind.

You are able to work independently, communicate clearly with technical and cross-functional partners, and contribute to successful technology transfer from development into manufacturing.

Why join PolyPeptide

At PolyPeptide, you will be part of a quality-driven organization supporting the development and manufacturing of peptide-based and other complex pharmaceutical programs. You will work with experienced scientists, production teams, and cross-functional partners to help deliver high-quality solutions for customers.

This is an opportunity to apply your chemistry expertise in a role where your work has a direct impact on process development, manufacturing readiness, and customer success.

If you are looking for a role where you can solve technical challenges, support meaningful pharmaceutical programs, and help bring complex processes from the lab to production, we encourage you to apply.

Salary: $90K - $115K

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.