Development Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Development Scientist
Croda is a FTSE100 organization driven around our purpose of Smart Science to Improve Lives™. With over 6,000 employees across 39 countries, we are focused on the research and development of novel and highly sustainable raw materials for the Life Sciences and Consumer Care sectors.
We are passionate and excited about how we can develop and utilize new technologies to shape and inspire changes within an ever-growing marketplace. As our business looks to deliver its ambitious strategy of growth, we are looking for a Development Scientist to join our Process Development group.
This position is responsible for development, optimization, and scale-up of cGMP manufacturing processes through hands-on laboratory experimentation, data analysis, and technical documentation. This role provides a strong technical foundation and growth path toward senior technical leadership roles. The Development Scientist position may be filled at Level I, II or III, based on education, experience, and demonstrated capability.
What You'll Be Doing:
Be part of a team that values diversity, sustainability, and continuous innovation, where your ideas and contributions matter.
The Development Scientist I is an individual contributor who performs assigned tasks under direction and mentorship. The Development Scientist II / III is an individual contributor role with increasing autonomy and technical accountability based on level.
• Responsible for the planning and execution of multi-step syntheses from laboratory to commercialization, applying sound scientific principles, literature knowledge, and structured experimental approaches such as DoE and QbD.
• Responsibilities include process development, implementation, technology transfer support, validation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Works in a collaborative, cross-functional environment and is expected to independently plan and execute laboratory work, interpret results, and communicate findings clearly.

• Own the development, optimization, and scale-up of robust, safe, and cost-effective synthetic processes from laboratory through commercial manufacturing scale in compliance with cGMP requirements.
• Design, execute, and interpret laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to establish process understanding, identify critical quality attributes (CQAs) and critical process parameters (CPPs), and define appropriate operating ranges.
• Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple development projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery against timelines, quality standards, and cost targets.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert in cGMP manufacturing operations applying fundamental chemistry and engineering principles to resolve complex manufacturing issues, troubleshoot challenges including investigation of deviations, non-conformances, and process changes; and recommend effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes to identify and implement improvements in efficiency, robustness, quality, safety, environmental impact, and regulatory compliance.
• Author, review, and maintain GMP documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch production records (BPRs), validation protocols, and technical reports, ensuring data integrity and compliance.
• Communicate complex technical information effectively through written reports, presentations, and verbal discussions with internal teams, departmental, site, and global leadership, as well as clients and external collaborators.

Who We're Looking For:
At Croda, we believe our people are the heart of our success. We are committed to fostering an environment where you can grow, make a meaningful impact, and thrive.
Development Scientist I
• M.S. in organic chemistry or related field (entry-level; academic research experience preferred), or
• B.S. in organic chemistry or related field with ~ 1 to 3 years of relevant industrial or academic research experience
Development Scientist II
• Ph.D. in organic chemistry or related field (entry-level industry or postdoctoral experience acceptable), or
• B.S. or M.S. in organic chemistry or related field with ~ 3 to 5 years of relevant industrial experience (cGMP experience preferred)
Development Scientist III
• Ph.D. in organic chemistry or related field with ~ 3 to 5 years of relevant industrial experience (cGMP experience preferred), or
• B.S. or M.S. in organic chemistry or related field with ~ 5 to 8 years of relevant industrial experience (cGMP experience preferred)
Additional Competencies:

• Experience in the synthesis and purification of small molecules, notably lipids
• Working knowledge of cGMP principles and regulated laboratory environments
• Supports a positive, healthy, and flexible work environment
• Maintains a well-documented record of work performed in presentations, laboratory notebooks, batch production records, and Process Development Reports
• Demonstrates clear understanding of technical issues and the requirements of a viable manufacturing process; has demonstrated independent support on multiple processes
• Identifies areas where change/continuous improvement is beneficial to the business, and successfully defends and implements projects
• Assumes reasonable risk in trying out new, self-generated ideas
• Proactive approach to problem identification and resolution
• Communicates effectively in writing and verbally within and across departments and to site management; updates are clear, selective, and effective
• Ability to understand and apply statistical design of experiments and draw sound conclusions from the results; uses results when solving problems, or proposing improvements
• Computer skills, in the areas of: Microsoft Office Products - Word, Excel, PowerPoint; statistical analysis programs, Chemdraw, TopSpin, and SciFinder,
• Routinely demonstrates a proactive approach to problem identification and resolution
• Understands Croda's business goals and contributes technically to its strategy development

Don't meet all the qualifications? We still encourage you to apply! At Croda, we believe diverse perspectives and unique experiences drive innovation and strengthen our team.
What We Offer:
Join a global organization with countless opportunities for growth and leadership.
The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefits package including:
• Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, available immediately.
• Generous PTO
• 401K Match
• Wellness Reimbursement
• Parental Leave
• Career Development
• Company Paid and Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short- and Long-term Disability
• Paid Holidays
Additional Information
This is an on-site position based at our Alabaster, AL site.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation 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 talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to work with hands; reach above shoulder height; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must 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.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and low levels of toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, outside weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Travel Requirements: Up to 5%. Travel to conferences, training, and internal / external manufacturing sites may be required.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process or experience any issues with our online application process, please email jobs@croda.com.
Croda recognises employees as our strength and the diversity they bring to our workforce are directly linked to our ongoing success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate based on any protected attribute, including age, race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veterans. This Organization Participates in E-Verify