Principal Scientist

Job Title: Principal Scientist

Location: Onsite, Cranbury and South Plainfield NJ

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Sr. Director of Catalysis and Enabling Technologies

Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Principal Scientist to join our Catalysis and Enabling Technologies team within the CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) industry. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in catalysis and a proven ability to drive innovative research initiatives that advance our capabilities and product offerings.

Key Responsibilities:

· Contribute to the development of safe, timely and efficient chemical processes by using established, new and/or novel chemical methodologies and processes by improving or discovering new synthetic routes.

· Conduct HT experiments from design through interpretation, which includes, but is not limited to catalytic reaction process development, process optimization, mechanistic/kinetic studies, and scale up for various C-X (X = C, N) catalytic coupling, transfer hydrogenations, photochemistry, electrochemistry reactions.

· Scale reactions up for demonstration, material synthesis or isolation. Isolating chemical intermediates and impurities for characterization and yield determination.

· Setup equipment and troubleshoot associated hurdles.

· Develop and Perform reaction analysis and HT analysis using common laboratory analytical techniques (i.e. HPLC, GC, MS, NMR etc.). Interpret analytical data precisely, mechanistically, and timely. Apply analytical chemistry methodology to process development R&D, optimization and problem solving.

· Maintain an uncompromising focus on quality, documentation, confidentiality, and scientific execution.

· Successfully execute against accepted quotes adhering to agree upon deliverables and timelines and schedules for R&D and scale-up.

· Collaborate with other departments e.g., Process development, Analytical, Crystallization/ purification, etc.

· Conduct literature research and understand reaction mechanisms of desired and undesired reactions to devise mechanistically founded solution proposals and apply this knowledge toward the R&D project goals. Keeping up with chemistry and engineering literature to troubleshoot process development hurdles for timely completion of projects.

· Contribute to scientific and technical discussions with co-workers and clients to plan, execute and problem solving.

· Participate in weekly client updates as needed, prepare scientifically grounded weekly reports, project summary, campaign reports etc., and participate in process chemistry technology transfer. Share insights and discoveries gained through research with J-Star personnel through Lunch & Learn presentations.

Special Responsibilities:

· Establish and validate new technologies and workflows to be implemented at J-Star catalysis and Enabling Technology group.

· Provide research guidance to Scientists and Senior Scientists.

Additional Responsibilities:

· Communicate candidly, clearly, and timely with management and peers about results and incidences that affect timelines or quality in a timely fashion.

· Maintain a clean and well-organized hood, bench and common work area that is free of clutter, excess chemicals/samples.

· Follow all company, site, and laboratory Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS)-related protocols, processes, guidelines, and SOPs. Actively participate in EHS discussions with peers and management for continuous improvement of EHS practices.

Qualifications:

• MS or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with a focus on catalysis or synthetic chemistry.
• 5-8 years of experience in a research and development role, preferably within the CDMO or pharmaceutical industry, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.
• Extensive knowledge of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, reaction engineering, and relevant analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC, NMR).
• Proven track record of innovation, with publications in high-impact journals and presentations at leading industry conferences.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and complex projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.

Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

• CDMO: 5 years (Required)
• Synthetic Chemistry: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person