Research Scientist

Summary of role
This position’s key function is to provide Research and Development as part of the Synthetic Chemistry Team by conducting research in assigned areas under general supervision using established methodology.  Specific responsibilities include: Performing scientific experiments according to existing, approved methods, troubleshooting plant processes to resolve problems, utilize basic analytical techniques to guide research.  Incumbents will partner with Analytical Services, New Product Development, Quality Control, Process Support and Operations groups.  The position requires execution of the Sterling Values and non-negotiables, as well as expertise in functional competencies included in this position profile.

Your Responsibilities

• Performs synthetic chemistry in support of core department efforts (such as process development, production support, impurity synthesis) by following established processes and procedures. Gain familiarity with chemical processes, development, scale-up and manufacturing. 
• Develop synthetic plans and execute experiments based on that.
• Executes experiments under direct guidance in support of research efforts.
• Provides solutions to problems of limited scope and complexity. Exercises judgment within defined policies and procedures to determine appropriate action. Consults more senior scientist and management as appropriate.
• Effectively and accurately operates standard laboratory equipment required to conduct synthetic experiments (such as TCU, vacuum pump, drying oven, rotovap, etc). Working knowledge of synthetic/organic techniques (such as reflux, distillations, crystallizations, purifications, synthetic methodologies). Gain familiarity with pilot/production chemical processing and equipment.
• Understand basic theory and application of simple to complex analytical techniques (such as HPLC, GC, IR, NMR).  Ability to run routine tests following established procedures.
• Maintains existing laboratory procedures, technical report and standard operating procedures.  Assist with criticality assessment. Basic awareness of regulatory documentation and applicability to the job. Working knowledge of Sterling documentation and associated systems
• Maintains and provides notebooks, records, reports, action/check lists and documentation which are current, legible, readily understood, complete and accurate to ensure compliance with established procedures and specifications; and are verifiable as required or requested. Reviews basic documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Provides advice and consultation on common technical issues related to organic chemistry. Consults with more senior scientists and management where appropriate.
• May conduct troubleshooting of plant processes to resolve production or quality problems. May evaluate new raw material sources to ensure adequate performance in production. May serves as consultant/technical resource to production/engineering/quality control in areas of expertise.
• May assist with the procurement, installation and calibration of laboratory instruments, equipment and supplies to ensure reliable, prompt, precise and accurate test data.  May assist with the setup, IQ, OQ and PQ of new equipment.
• Performs other appropriate duties as assigned by the Process R&D Manager.
• Ensures timely completion and compliance with cGMP and all other relevant company training requirements.
• An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field required with minimum of 9+ years’ experience, OR
• Master’s degree in Chemistry or related field with minimum of 2+ years’ experience, OR
• Doctoral degree with a 0-2 years of previous experience.

Travel Requirement

• Up to 5% travel required

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear and smell. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level is moderate to noisy.  Occasionally, employee may be exposed to airborne particles and fumes.  Occasionally, employee may be exposed to chemicals.  Must have the ability to wear PPE as required.  Employee occasionally may be exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration.

Diversity and Inclusion
Sterling values diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, past or present military service, marital status, gender identification or expression, medical condition (including genetic characteristics) or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Why Consider Sterling?
Sterling Pharma Solutions is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with more than 50 years’ experience in developing and manufacturing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).  This is complemented by Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) R&D bioconjugation services.

We are a fast growing, dynamic business with facilities in the UK, US and Europe, where we employ more than 1300 talented and passionate people who support our customers in bringing new medicines to market, improving and saving the lives of patients.

Our culture and our way of working is what really sets us apart as a business; we aim to deliver an exceptional experience to our customers and our employees.  You can expect to be part of a supportive team, all working towards a shared goal: to deliver first-class science and service to our customers every day. 

Sterling Pharma Solutions is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.