Development Scientist As we deliver our ambitious 2030 Growth Strategy, we're looking for a Development Scientist responsible for development, optimization, and scale-up of cGMP manufacturing processes through hands-on laboratory experimentation, data analysis, and technical documentation. This role provides a strong technical foundation and growth path toward senior technical leadership roles. The Development Scientist position may be filled at Level I, II or III, based on education, experience, and demonstrated capability.
Who We're Looking For: Development Scientist I • M.S. in organic chemistry or related field (entry-level; academic research experience preferred), or B.S. in organic chemistry or related field with ~ 1 to 3 years of relevant industrial or academic research experience.
Development Scientist II• Ph.D. in organic chemistry or related field (entry-level industry or postdoctoral experience acceptable), or B.S. or M.S. in organic chemistry or related field with ~ 3 to 5 years of relevant industrial experience (cGMP experience preferred).
Development Scientist III• Ph.D. in organic chemistry or related field with ~ 3 to 5 years of relevant industrial experience (cGMP experience preferred), or B.S. or M.S. in organic chemistry or related field with ~ 5 to 8 years of relevant industrial experience (cGMP experience preferred).
What You'll Be Doing:• Performs assigned tasks under direction and mentorship.
• Responsible for the planning and execution of multi-step syntheses from laboratory to commercialization, applying sound scientific principles, literature knowledge, and structured experimental approaches such as DoE and QbD.
• Responsibilities include process development, implementation, technology transfer support, validation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Works in a collaborative, cross-functional environment and is expected to independently plan and execute laboratory work, interpret results, and communicate findings clearly.
- Own the development, optimization, and scale-up of robust, safe, and cost-effective synthetic processes from laboratory through commercial manufacturing scale in compliance with cGMP requirements.
- Design, execute, and interpret laboratory and pilot-scale experiments to establish process understanding, identify critical quality attributes (CQAs) and critical process parameters (CPPs), and define appropriate operating ranges.
- Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple development projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery against timelines, quality standards, and cost targets.
- Serve as a technical subject matter expert in cGMP manufacturing operations applying fundamental chemistry and engineering principles to resolve complex manufacturing issues, troubleshoot challenges including investigation of deviations, non-conformances, and process changes; and recommend effective corrective and preventive actions.
- Evaluate existing manufacturing processes to identify and implement improvements in efficiency, robustness, quality, safety, environmental impact, and regulatory compliance.
- Author, review, and maintain GMP documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch production records (BPRs), validation protocols, and technical reports, ensuring data integrity and compliance.
- Communicate complex technical information effectively through written reports, presentations, and verbal discussions with internal teams, departmental, site, and global leadership, as well as clients and external collaborators.
What We Offer: The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefits package including:
• Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, available immediately.
• Generous PTO.
• 401K Match.
• Wellness Reimbursement.
• Parental Leave.
• Career Development.
• Company Paid and Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Short- and Long-term Disability.
• Paid Holidays.
Additional Information: This is an on-site position based at our Alabaster, AL site. - Experience in the synthesis and purification of small molecules, notably lipids.
- Working knowledge of cGMP principles and regulated laboratory environments.
- Supports a positive, healthy, and flexible work environment.
- Maintains a well-documented record of work performed in presentations, laboratory notebooks, batch production records, and Process Development Reports.
- Demonstrates clear understanding of technical issues and the requirements of a viable manufacturing process; has demonstrated independent support on multiple processes.
- Identifies areas where change/continuous improvement is beneficial to the business and successfully defends and implements projects.
- Assumes reasonable risk in trying out new, self-generated ideas.
- Proactive approach to problem identification and resolution.
- Communicates effectively in writing and verbally within and across departments and to site management; updates are clear, selective, and effective.
- Ability to understand and apply statistical design of experiments and draw sound conclusions from the results; uses results when solving problems or proposing improvements.
- Computer skills, in the areas of: Microsoft Office Products - Word, Excel, PowerPoint; statistical analysis programs, Chemdraw, TopSpin, and SciFinder,
- Routinely demonstrates a proactive approach to problem identification and resolution.
- Understands Croda's business goals and contributes technically to its strategy development.
- Up to 5%. Travel to conferences, training, and internal / external manufacturing sites may be required.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process or experience any issues with our online application process, please email candidate@croda.com.
