Phd Material Science Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Scientist

Job Description

The Senior Scientist plays a key role in developing, validating, and implementing analytical methods to support raw materials, intermediates, and finished products within a GMP-regulated environment. This position focuses on analytical development for active pharmaceutical ingredients, method validation, and complex data interpretation, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. The role offers a clear growth path and serves as a stepping stone toward a Principal Scientist position.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and implement robust analytical methods for raw materials, intermediates, and finished products.
• Perform analytical testing using HPLC, GC, GC/MS, FTIR, mass spectrometry, and other laboratory instrumentation.
• Execute and support method development for compound identification, purity assessment, and potency analysis.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with development, quality control, and process support teams to troubleshoot analytical issues and provide technical guidance.
• Interpret analytical data, draw scientifically sound conclusions, and document results in technical reports and laboratory notebooks.
• Ensure strict compliance with GMP, SOPs, and applicable regulatory requirements, including DEA guidelines.
• Transfer validated analytical methods to Quality Control and Process Support teams, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and documentation.
• Support sample analysis for development projects and coordinate external testing activities when necessary.
• Qualify and maintain reference standards, ensuring accurate calibration, traceability, and documentation.
• Maintain laboratory documentation, data integrity, and document control practices in accordance with GMP standards.
• Lead investigations related to analytical issues, deviations, or out-of-specification results and maintain timelines for key activities.
• Author and review technical documents, including reports and protocols, with a high level of accuracy and minimal errors.
• Draft new standard operating procedures (SOPs) with guidance as needed to support laboratory operations and compliance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory efficiency, data quality, and analytical capabilities.
• Support additional laboratory activities as required to meet project timelines and organizational objectives.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in analytical method development and validation for raw materials, intermediates, and finished pharmaceutical products.
• Hands-on expertise with HPLC, GC, GC/MS, FTIR, and mass spectrometry in an analytical laboratory setting.
• Strong experience in analytical chemistry with the ability to apply fundamental principles to complex testing and data interpretation.
• Experience in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) development and analytical development within a CDMO or CRO environment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain compliance with GMP regulations and DEA requirements in a laboratory setting.
• Experience with document control and data integrity within a GMP-compliant environment.
• Proficiency in assay development, method validation, and routine laboratory operations.
• PhD in Chemistry with 4+ years of relevant industry experience, OR MS in Chemistry with 8+ years of relevant industry experience, OR BS in Chemistry with 12+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Ability to lead analytical investigations and manage timelines for key project activities.
• Ability to author and review technical documents, such as protocols, reports, and summaries, with minimal errors.
• Capability to draft new SOPs with appropriate guidance and alignment to regulatory and quality requirements.
• Good understanding of cross-functional principles, including organic chemistry and engineering, to effectively support interdisciplinary projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry with 4+ years of relevant industry experience, MS in Chemistry with 8+ years of relevant industry experience, Or BS in Chemistry with 12+ years of relevant industry experience
• Experience working in contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) or contract research (CRO) organizations.
• Familiarity with Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Development and associated analytical requirements.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex analytical and instrumentation issues.
• Effective collaboration skills to work closely with development, QC, and engineering teams.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of data quality and documentation.
• Interest in career growth with a clear pathway toward a Principal Scientist role.

Work Environment

This position operates in a GMP-regulated analytical laboratory that supports pharmaceutical development and manufacturing activities. The role involves regular use of advanced instrumentation, including HPLC, GC, GC/MS, FTIR, and mass spectrometry, as well as routine handling of reference standards and regulated materials. The work schedule is based on a standard 40-hour work week, with some required overtime to meet project deadlines and regulatory commitments. The environment emphasizes strict adherence to SOPs, DEA guidelines, and data integrity practices, fostering a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement. Team members collaborate closely across development, quality control, and engineering functions, working in a professional setting that supports technical excellence and career advancement.

This is a Permanent position based out of Charles City, IA.

The pay range for this position is $99874.00 - $106708.00/yr.

Holiday, PTO, health, dental vision insurance

This is a fully onsite position in Charles City,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.