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Director Process Chemistry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Director Process Chemistry information

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$41K

$84.8K

$131K

How much do director process chemistry jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for director process chemistry in the United States is $84,782.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Director of Process Chemistry do?

A Director of Process Chemistry leads teams responsible for developing and optimizing chemical processes used in the production of pharmaceuticals or other chemicals. They oversee process development from laboratory scale to full manufacturing, ensuring efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance. This role involves collaboration with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams to deliver scalable and cost-effective chemical synthesis solutions. Directors also manage budgets, mentor staff, and may interact with regulatory agencies to support product approval.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Process Chemistry, and why are they important?

A Director of Process Chemistry typically requires a Ph.D. in chemistry or chemical engineering, extensive experience in process development and scale-up, and a strong foundation in organic synthesis. Familiarity with analytical instrumentation, process safety systems, and regulatory compliance, as well as proficiency in software for data analysis and project management, are commonly expected. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help foster innovation and guide multidisciplinary teams effectively. These competencies are vital for ensuring efficient, safe, and cost-effective chemical manufacturing processes that meet organizational goals and industry standards.

What is the difference between Director Process Chemistry vs Process Development Manager?

AspectDirector Process ChemistryProcess Development Manager
CredentialsAdvanced degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, extensive industry experienceSimilar educational background, often with several years of industry experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, overseeing multiple projects and teamsHands-on process development, project management, and team coordination
Industry UsageUsed in pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotech industries for high-level oversightCommonly found in R&D and manufacturing settings for process optimization

The main difference is that the Director Process Chemistry focuses on strategic leadership and overall process chemistry direction, while the Process Development Manager handles day-to-day process development and project execution. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How does a Director of Process Chemistry typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during drug development?

A Director of Process Chemistry works closely with teams such as Analytical Development, Formulation, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Affairs to ensure smooth progression of drug candidates from lab to manufacturing scale. Collaboration involves regular meetings to align on project timelines, address technical challenges, and implement process improvements. This role often leads technology transfer discussions and troubleshooting sessions, ensuring process scalability and compliance with regulatory requirements. Effective communication and interdisciplinary teamwork are essential for success in this leadership position.
More about Director Process Chemistry jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Process Chemistry jobs? Cities with the most Director Process Chemistry job openings:
What states have the most Director Process Chemistry jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Process Chemistry jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Process Chemistry job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 84% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,782 per year, or $40.8 per hour.
TALENT PIPELINE - Principal Scientist (Process Chemistry)

TALENT PIPELINE - Principal Scientist (Process Chemistry)

Cambrex

Durham, NC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Company Information

You Matter to Cambrex.

Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance development and manufacturing across the entire drug lifecycle, as well as comprehensive analytical and IND enabling services.ย 

With over 40 years of experience and a team of 2,000 experts servicing global clients from North America and Europe, Cambrex offers a range of specialized drug substance technologies and capabilities, including continuous flow, controlled substances, liquid-phase peptide synthesis, solid-state science, material characterization, and highly potent APIs.

Your Work Matters.

At Cambrex, we strive to build a culture where all colleagues have the opportunity to:

  • engage in work that matters to our customers and the patients they serve
  • learn new skills and enjoy new experiences in an engaging and safe environment
  • strengthen connections with coworkers and the community

Weโ€™re committed to attracting and nurturing a passionate team of valued professionals in our fast-paced and growing company.ย  We offer a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare, life insurance, planning for retirement, and more!

Your Future Matters.

Known for our customer-focused scientific and manufacturing excellence, as well as our strong commitment to quality and safety, we offer a range of career and growth opportunities across our global network of locations. Together with our customers, we aim to improve the quality of life for patients around the world. Start a career where You Matter by applying today!


Job Overview
  • ย Design and carry out multistep organic syntheses, isolation, and purification of targeted
  • products.
  • ย Must possess a strong understanding of modern organic synthesis methodologies.
  • ย Must have a thorough understanding of modern analytical and spectroscopic techniques and
  • be able to interpret the corresponding data and spectra.
  • Ability to conduct literature searches for specific target compounds and be able to use the
  • literature to base a design of alternate routes to these compounds. Requires ongoing
  • professional development to keep abreast of current scientific literature and discuss these
  • findings with colleagues.
  • Must demonstrate a proficiency to carry out laboratory syntheses and purification techniques
  • on scales ranging from milligrams to several kilograms, and design and implement process
  • modifications.
  • ย Requires excellent time management with the ability to manage projects on-time without
  • supervision.
  • ย Ability to author and review comprehensive reports at the conclusion of projects for internal
  • and customer use.
  • Work closely with other chemistry and analytical laboratory staff to coordinate project activities
  • and resource usage.
  • Work to ensure that a spirit of teamwork and cooperation always exists within the group.
  • Conduct laboratory operations in a safe manner. Maintain familiarity with the companyโ€™s
  • chemical hygiene plan. Exhibit safety awareness and safe work practices.
  • Follow responsible actions regarding chemical disposal. Maintain compliance with all
  • regulations at the federal, state, and local levels.
  • Must demonstrate effective communication skills (both interpersonal and presentations).
  • Participate in project team meetings with customers.
  • Work closely with manufacturing and GMP operations to coordinate project related equipment
  • and activities.
  • ย Maintain a clean, safe laboratory work area.

Responsibilities

Position is directed toward optimization of existing chemical routes and development of alternate

chemistry toward key synthetic intermediates and APIs. Carries out multistep chemical synthesis and

product isolation/purification operations in the laboratory, independently or as part of an integrated

team. Chemist utilizes modern analytical tools to determine identity and purity of products made

during projects. Communication with clients in regular team meetings; prepares R&D reports at the

conclusion of projects


Qualifications/Skills

Organic Chemistry Knowledge: Beginning to demonstrate an understanding of advanced theories in Organic

Chemistry/Process Development.

Cross Discipline Knowledge: Higher level of understanding of the principles of cross-functional departments,

including analytical chemistry and engineering.

GMP/Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of industrial GMP and practical application to

Cambrex programs; Some ability to provide feedback to clients re: clinical strategy.

Instrumentation: Advanced knowledge of HPLC, GC, MS, automated reactor platforms, In-situ reaction

monitoring, and ability to train and troubleshoot problems with equipment (and help others).

Communication: Good written and oral communication skills, ability to communicate with clients without

manager supervision.

Problem Solving: Strong demonstration of problem solving, ability to lead investigations.

Time Management: Able to maintain timeline of key activities and use time efficiently; ability to handle projects

without supervision, though requires regular check-in with manager.

Leadership: Demonstrated record of mentorship and development of peers, partner lines and ability to support

initiatives within the department.

Technical Documentation and Review: Ability to author and review key technical documents with minimal

RFT errors. Can write new SOP with manager assistance, keep current lab notebook while practicing GDP.

External Influence: Ability to lead local project teams and steer clients to desired outcomes; ability to work with

management to develop key local laboratory-based initiatives.

Industry Credibility and Rapport: Recognized scientific leader within the Cambrex organization, locally and

possibly beginning to extend to other sites.

Operational Excellence: Actively participates in key operational excellence initiatives.

Change Orientation: Active participation and support for implementation of Cambrex system level

changes/initiatives.


Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with minimum 6 yearsโ€™ experience or M.S. in Chemistry or related field with minimum 10 yearsโ€™ experience or B.S. degree in Chemistry or related field with 14 years of experience in lab environment, pharmaceutical experience preferred. Hands on experience in pharmaceutical/chemical process development. Excellent verbal and written communication/interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and the ability to work in a diverse team environment are essential. Proficiency with Microsoft software (SharePoint, Word / EXCEL / PowerPoint), and Chemdraw is expected.

Cambrex is committed to providing a safe and productive work environment. All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a comprehensive pre-employment screen. The pre-employment screen may consist of several components including but not limited to a drug test, criminal record check, identity verification, reference checks, education and employment verification, and may vary based on federal, state, and local laws. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration.ย 

All requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Cambrex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), ancestry, national origin, place of birth, age, marital status, disability/handicap, genetic information, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state, and/or local law.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field with minimum 6 yearsโ€™ experience or M.S. in Chemistry or related field with minimum 10 yearsโ€™ experience or B.S. degree in Chemistry or related field with 14 years of experience in lab environment, pharmaceutical experience preferred. Hands on experience in pharmaceutical/chemical process development. Excellent verbal and written communication/interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and the ability to work in a diverse team environment are essential. Proficiency with Microsoft software (SharePoint, Word / EXCEL / PowerPoint), and Chemdraw is expected.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Cambrex

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

East Rutherford, NJ, US

Year founded

1981

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