Process Development Scientist - San Diego

Process Development Scientist

Location: San Diego, CA | Employment Type: Full-Time

Help bring complex peptide processes from the lab to manufacturing.

PolyPeptide is seeking a Process Development Scientist to support the design, execution, optimization, and scale-up of synthetic processes for peptide API development. This role is a strong fit for a scientist who enjoys hands-on process development, technical problem-solving, and working closely with cross-functional teams to move projects from development into scalable, cGMP-compliant manufacturing.

As a Process Development Scientist, you will play an important role in developing robust, efficient, and cost-effective processes that support clinical and commercial manufacturing. Your work will directly contribute to PolyPeptide’s commitment to quality, technical excellence, and on-time delivery for our customers.

Why this role matters

The transition from laboratory development to manufacturing is a critical step in delivering high-quality APIs to customers. In this role, you will help bridge that gap by applying your expertise in organic chemistry, peptide chemistry, purification, process development, and technology transfer.

You will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects, solve complex technical challenges, and support processes that are essential to pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.

What you will do

• Plan and coordinate technology transfer activities from Development to Production, both onsite and across sites

• Design, execute, and optimize synthetic processes for peptide API development

• Perform intermediate chemical processing steps using established safety and process procedures

• Check reactor systems for proper operation in accordance with SOPs and operating manuals

• Monitor chemical reactions during processing and respond appropriately to ensure proper execution

• Prepare solutions for purification

• Interpret test results and take appropriate action to support acceptable processing

• Purify crude peptide using HPLC under minimal supervision

• Conduct lyophilization and drying processes according to established procedures

• Perform in-process checks of fractions using analytical HPLC and report results to supervision or senior development personnel

• Support troubleshooting of equipment and processing issues

• Identify and report deviations, equipment concerns, or unresolved processing issues

• Maintain high standards for safety, housekeeping, and cleanliness

• Support cross-functional project teams with technical expertise

• Perform additional duties aligned with the needs of the role and organization

What you bring

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline with at least 1 year of relevant experience, or Master’s degree with at least 5 years of relevant experience

• Industry experience with a focus on organic chemistry

• Strong knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry, process development, and analytical techniques

• Experience with peptide chemistry and downstream purification preferred

• Ability to interpret analytical results and apply sound scientific judgment

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work independently while also collaborating with multidisciplinary teams

• Strong communication skills and attention to detail

Preferred experience

• Experience with peptide chemistry, or API development

• Experience with HPLC purification, analytical HPLC, lyophilization, and drying processes

• Experience with scale-up and technology transfer into manufacturing environments

• Familiarity with cGMP requirements and regulatory expectations for clinical or commercial manufacturing

• Experience working in a CDMO, pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated manufacturing environment

What makes you successful in this role

You are hands-on, scientifically curious, and comfortable working in a technical development environment. You know how to approach complex chemistry challenges with structure and attention to detail, while keeping safety, quality, and scalability in mind.

You are able to work independently, communicate clearly with technical and cross-functional partners, and contribute to successful technology transfer from development into manufacturing.

Why join PolyPeptide

At PolyPeptide, you will be part of a quality-driven organization supporting the development and manufacturing of peptide-based and other complex pharmaceutical programs. You will work with experienced scientists, production teams, and cross-functional partners to help deliver high-quality solutions for customers.

This is an opportunity to apply your chemistry expertise in a role where your work has a direct impact on process development, manufacturing readiness, and customer success.

If you are looking for a role where you can solve technical challenges, support meaningful pharmaceutical programs, and help bring complex processes from the lab to production, we encourage you to apply.

Salary: $90K - $115K

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.