Scientist - Peptide and Oligonucleotide

Company Description

Veranova is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of complex active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for pharma and biotech customers. With deep technical expertise and impressive flexibility, we develop solutions and processes that support and accelerate innovation.

Job Description

Veranova is seeking a highly skilled and motivated scientist with extensive experience in peptide (solution- and/or solid-phase) and oligonucleotide synthesis to join our chemical development group. The position requires an in-depth understanding of the field of peptide and oligonucleotide chemistry including process optimization using innovative synthetic methods. The scientist will be responsible for executing all aspects of peptide and oligonucleotide programs from early phase development and scale up to cGMP manufacturing. The preferred candidate will have previous experience with the development and large-scale production of peptides/oligonucleotides in the pharmaceutical or fine chemical industry. Knowledge of cGMP and regulatory guidelines and expertise in the analytical techniques and strategies commonly used in the development of these types of molecules is essential.

Key Responsibilities / Accountabilities

• As a scientist, develop and implement phase-appropriate strategies for peptide and oligonucleotide development programs.
• Design and implement methods to enable the synthesis, purification, isolation, and scale up of peptides and oligonucleotides.
• Create detailed work plans to meet project goals within the required timeline and budget.
• Integrate state-of-art peptide and oligonucleotide synthesis techniques and technologies into development plans.
• Responsible for internal and external technology transfer of processes to kilo lab and pilot plant manufacturing.
• Drive continuous improvement to enable improved process understanding to ensure ‘right first time’ operation of processes.
• Represent the Peptide and Oligonucleotide Development team in internal and external technical meetings.
• Work globally with both internal and external development teams and interface cross functionally.
• Mentor, lead, and advise junior scientists and/or chemists in areas of scientific, regulatory, project management, client, and safety issues.
• Recommend potential courses of action to senior management by providing solid results, findings, and technical solutions to project issues and day to day problems.
• Keep accurate, legible, and complete records of all experiments and observations.
• Generate written progress reports and clearly present scientific results to clients and management.
• Exhibit a high level of safety awareness and conduct lab operations in a safe manner as well as hold others accountable for safe behavior in the work environment.
• Multi-task responsibilities include laboratory work, preparing scientific reports and documents, presenting scientific findings to clients and management, and using scientific literature to solve advanced technical problems.
• Share special skills and expertise with other team members and departments such as Analytical Development, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, and Production groups.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or master’s degree in biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field.
• Broad industry experience with proven accomplishments in peptide chemistry including small-scale and large-scale preparation of peptides is preferred.
• Ability to lead multiple projects by providing direction to various levels of laboratory personnel and oversee production programs.
• Ability to successfully work with interdepartmental teams.
• Understanding of process safety concepts and how to incorporate them into process development plans to ensure processes are safe upon scale up.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques specifically with respect to in-process analysis of peptide reactions and to analysis of isolated intermediates and products.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment and make decisions in a timely manner.

Valued

• Experience working in a cGMP production environment.
• Knowledge and experience of scaling peptide chemistry to kilo scale manufacturing.
• Knowledge and experience of scaling oligonucleotide chemistry to kilo scale manufacturing.
• Expertise in the use of statistical methods such as design of experiments (DoE).
• Experienced in developing and optimizing synthetic routes and producing and/or scaling up intermediates and API processes.
• Experience with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to write clear and concise technical reports and business correspondence.
• Strong verbal and presentation skills.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Veranova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Veranova to provide equal employment access and opportunity to all persons regardless of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, physical or mental disability, genetic information, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

All applications are carefully considered, and your details will be stored on our secure Application Management System. This is used throughout Veranova for the selection of suitable candidates for our vacancies as they arise. Veranova respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. For more information about how your personal data is used please view our privacy notice.