Chemist, Senior - R&D

The Research and Development department at Boulder Scientific Company has an opening for a Senior Chemist I – Process Scale-up; based in our laboratories in Longmont, CO. Salary and level will be commensurate with experience.

The Research and Development team at Boulder Scientific Company is responsible for developing creative chemical processes to manufacture advanced organometallic and unique specialty molecules. Our team makes challenging chemistry a reality for our customers via multi-step complex synthetic chemistry of organic and organometallic compounds. We accomplish this by using state-of-the-art techniques to produce air-sensitive chemical products. We invent safe, innovative, efficient, and environmentally sustainable methods that enable the scale-up from the laboratory (gram scale) to Pilot Plant (kilogram scale) in our in-house facilities or via third party tolling facilities. All of this work is done on behalf of BSC’s customers.

In this position, the Senior Chemist will be responsible for developing plans and executing activities in support of scaling-up laboratory synthesis procedures in a kilo lab setting. Additionally, this position will also oversee high-purity distillation equipment to produce organometallic semiconductor precursors. The Senior Chemist will be the technical lead for these activities and is responsible for successfully completing projects by working collaboratively with fellow R&D colleagues, analytical chemists, engineers, and project managers. This is a hands-on position in the laboratory

Job Responsibilities

• Leverage a combination of external literature, internal technical know-how, and laboratory experimentation to identify viable synthetic routes to scale-up and purify target molecules.
• Plan experiments and coordinate tasks required to fulfill project objectives with program leader and/or supervisor guidance.
• Perform multi-step syntheses of organic and organometallic compounds, along with acquiring and interpreting analytical data in kilo lab reactors and distillation units.
• Drive innovation - identify and employ the latest techniques to achieve project goals (E.g., analytical and screening techniques, DOE, and flow chemistry).
• Lead the technical aspects of scaling up new products from lab to commercial scale.
• Optimize chemical processes for yield, throughput and cost.
• Champion safe work practices and positively contribute to BSC’s safety culture.
• Demonstrate BSC’s values, work with a sense of purpose, and is recognized as a driver of ongoing projects.
• Communicate scientific results, write technical reports and present information to stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Support and troubleshoot processes in BSC’s Pilot Plant and Production Facility as part of a cross-functional team.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on kilo lab experience in a chemical, pharmaceutical, or CDMO environment. 10 years of hands-on kilo lab experience is preferred.

Experience

• Proven ability to work safely with hazardous reagents, vacuum systems, cryogenics, and inert atmospheres.
• Strong understanding of process chemistry principles, including heat and mass transfer, and reaction kinetics.
• Demonstrated track record of working on technical transfer from lab to production.
• Familiarity with gas plumbing connections (e.g., NPT and compression fittings such as Swagelok), as well as aptitude with basic tools and machinery; able to perform basic repair and maintenance tasks.
• Ability to wear a full- face respirator and work in PPE (e.g. Saranex suits) for extended periods.
• Solid understanding of organic and organometallic synthesis, including ligand synthesis, with a strong track record of professional achievement.
• Demonstrated experience leading the development and implementation of safe and efficient chemical processes.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques (NMR, GC, HPLC, KF, etc.) and interpretation of data.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Relevant industrial experience is preferred; experience working in a manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Expert knowledge of scientific principles and concepts in at least one of the following disciplines: batch manufacturing, process safety, continuous manufacture of pharmaceuticals or specialty chemicals.
• Experience working with sales, business development, marketing, and/or third parties a plus.
• Understanding of intellectual property as demonstrated via published patent applications and/or granted patents.
• Must pass a job-related physical.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to work for long periods at a laboratory hood/bench and will also have extended keyboarding time. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Proper PPE will be required at all times.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.