Process Development Scientist - Torrance
Job Overview
Process Development Scientist
Location: Torrance, CA | Employment Type: Full-Time
Help bring complex peptide and oligonucleotide processes from the lab to manufacturing.
PolyPeptide is seeking a Process Development Scientist to support the design, execution, optimization, and scale-up of synthetic processes for peptide and/or oligonucleotide API development. This role is a strong fit for a scientist who enjoys hands-on process development, technical problem-solving, and working closely with cross-functional teams to move projects from development into scalable, cGMP-compliant manufacturing.
As a Process Development Scientist, you will play an important role in developing robust, efficient, and cost-effective processes that support clinical and commercial manufacturing. Your work will directly contribute to PolyPeptide’s commitment to quality, technical excellence, and on-time delivery for our customers.
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.