Scientist III

Location: Rockville
Posted on: June 23, 2025

Job Description:

Description Who is USP? The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is an independent scientific organization that collaborates with the world's top authorities in health and science to develop quality standards for medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. USP's fundamental belief that Equity = Excellence manifests in our core value of Passion for Quality through our more than 1,300 hard-working professionals across twenty global locations to deliver the mission to strengthen the supply of safe, quality medicines and supplements worldwide. At USP, we value inclusivity for all. We recognize the importance of building an organizational culture with meaningful opportunities for mentorship and professional growth. From the standards we create, the partnerships we build, and the conversations we foster, we affirm the value of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in building a world where everyone can be confident of quality in health and healthcare. USP is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer (EEOE) and affirmative action employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment in all aspects of our workan environment where every employee feels fully empowered and valued irrespective of, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, physical and mental abilities, education, religion, gender identity, and expression, life experience, sexual orientation, country of origin, regional differences, work experience, and family status. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities Brief Job Overview This is a hands-on, analyst position in USPs NMR Laboratory. The scientist will be an integral member of the nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) team and will assist in the execution of structural elucidation of reference materials by NMR and purity determination by quantitative NMR and Circular Dichroism (CD) instruments including designing and executing experiments supporting reference materials evaluations, product investigations and other relevant programs in the laboratory. This work includes development, execution and/or validation of complex analytical procedures supporting the identity, strength, and purity of the evaluated material. Reference materials encompass a diverse group including small molecules, biologics, excipients, oligosaccharides, vitamins, complex mixtures, peptides, and polymers, providing a broad range of experience for the scientist in this position. Scientist must have mastered many common NMR and CD techniques (preferably) with the laboratory and be able to contribute their own observations and input to difficult projects. The successful candidate can direct, troubleshoot, and share insights on complex projects, while drawing independent conclusions about the results and determining how to proceed with the project. The successful candidate demonstrates the ability to lead projects to completion with a high degree of scientific expertise How will YOU create impact here at USP? In this role at USP, you contribute to USP's public health mission of increasing equitable access to high-quality, safe medicine and improving global health through public standards and related programs. In addition, as part of our commitment to our employees, Global, People, and Culture, in partnership with the Equity Office, regularly invests in the professional development of all people managers. This includes training in inclusive management styles and other competencies necessary to ensure engaged and productive work environments. The Scientist III, NMR has the following responsibilities: About 70 % of the incumbent work is expected to be at the bench level. In this capacity the NMNR scientist: Actively performs testing at the bench, taking responsibility for interpreting, report writing, as well as ensuring the project is completed in a timely manner. Provides hands-on NMR sample preparation, multinuclear as well as 2D NMR data acquisition and processing using 600 MHz, 500 MHz, and 400 MHz spectrometers equipped with cryoprobes. Focuses on assessing data interpretation and analyzing the structures of small molecules, excipients, and polymers in support of the USP catalogue. Works independently and may help others to develop and validate methodologies for the analysis of drug substances, drug products, dietary substances, excipients, and other relevant products. Demonstrates solid scientific approach to analysis in the laboratory. Troubleshoots difficult/unusual lab problems independently; collaboratively assists others with troubleshooting. Conducts planning of research and development required for all projects; reviews literature; acts as a resource to others in the planning of projects and analysis of results. Works with the other team members collaboratively to develop effective testing plans and experimental designs. About 5% of the incumbent work would be related to the management of NMR instruments: cryogen filling and calibration, advising the metrology personnel, and/or assisting vendor technicians, etc. About 10% of the incumbent work may consist of training other instrument users, mentoring staff in the proper use of the NMR instruments, reviewing reports, and providing technical support within the organization when needed. About 10% of the incumbent work may be related to the experimental process and related documentation (review and revising of Standard Operating Procedures, proposing process improvements, etc.) and peer reviewed manuscripts submissions of scientific work. About 5% of the incumbent work may consist of adopting techniques particularly Circular Dichroism (CD) method development and training activities on work relating to reference materials and CRAFT software applications of NMR data Who is USP Looking For? The successful candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of our mission, commitment to excellence through inclusive and equitable behaviors and practices, ability to quickly build credibility with stakeholders, along with the following competencies and experience: Ph.D. in Polymer chemistry or Natural products isolation and structural elucidation or peptide related fields involved in NMR based thesis development with either graduate or postdoctoral research (0-2 years) exclusive experience polymer end group analysis, chain length and molecular weight determinations, excipient materials, and/or in natural products structural characterization and conformational analysis, peptide structure confirmation at natural abundance by testing primarily using solution NMR spectroscopy. Experience working in the pharmaceutical industry and/or academia strongly preferred. Working knowledge of methods and procedures, and expertise in calibrating and operating NMR equipment (Bruker/ JEOL) required. Quantitative NMR experience for determining purity. Must have demonstrated success in utilizing modern methods of NMR techniques for chemical structure characterizations. Relevant experience in preparation of organic samples for NMR data collection, as well as data interpretation as applied to structural verification and confirmation. Ability to maneuver and handle projects between two instrumental platforms (Bruker and JEOL) is essential. Takes personal responsibility to ensure work is delivered on time and is the highest possible quality with minimal supervision. Skill to anticipate, troubleshoot and solve technical problems. Ability to implement novel NMR methods from literature is highly desirable. Familiar with TopSpin and Delta JEOL software for data acquisition and processing. Strong communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written. Additional Desired Preferences Use additional software such as ACD and CRAFT for NMR data analyses. Experience with Circular Dichroism applications for small molecules. Supervisory Responsibilities None, this is an individual contributor role. Benefits USP provides the benefits to protect yourself and your family today and tomorrow. From company-paid time off and comprehensive healthcare options to retirement savings, you can have peace of mind that your personal and financial well-being is protected. Compensation Base Salary Range: USD $85,500.00 - $111,250.00 annually. Target Annual Bonus: % Varies based on level of role. Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidates skill set, experience, qualifications, equity, and other job-related reasons. Note: USP does not accept unsolicited resumes from 3rd party recruitment agencies and is not responsible for fees from recruiters or other agencies except under specific written agreement with USP. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor. Job Category Chemistry & Scientific Standards Job Type Full-Time

Keywords: , Arlington , Scientist III, Science, Research & Development , Rockville, Virginia