Senior Principal Scientist, Process Chemistry

Role Summary

The Chemical Process and Analytical Development (CPAD) group in Bothell, WA develops innovative and phase-appropriate synthetic routes and scalable chemical processes for novel small-molecule components used in targeted therapeutics. As a Senior Principal Scientist in Process Chemistry, you will lead route scouting, synthetic design, process development, and process characterization, applying modern organic chemistry and data-rich methods to create robust, scalable processes. You will mentor scientists, guide cross-functional project direction, and oversee GMP production batches through technology transfer and campaign oversight.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical teams to design, execute, and interpret complex laboratory experiments aimed at route development, process optimization, and scale-up.
• Develop fit-for-purpose processes for early- and late-stage programs, ensuring safety, robustness, and scalability.
• Lead authorship of patents, publications, and regulatory documents.
• Apply modern synthetic organic chemistry principles, high-throughput experimentation, mechanistic insight, and data-rich methods to accelerate development.
• Effectively communicate scientific strategy, risks, and solutions to project teams, leadership, and partner functions.
• Drive alignment to project timelines and portfolio strategy.
• Mentor junior staff and foster an inclusive, scientifically rigorous, and collaborative environment.
• Lead technology transfer and partner interactions to enable external development campaigns.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships across process chemistry, partner functions, and project teams.
• Maintain an external technical presence through publications and presentations.

Qualifications

• Required: PhD in Organic Chemistry with 8+ years of industry experience in pharmaceutical process development, including route design, scale-up, and GMP manufacturing; or a Master’s degree with 15+ years of relevant experience.
• Required: Deep foundational understanding of synthetic organic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, process development, and modern purification and analytical technologies.
• Required: Demonstrated scientific impact via peer-reviewed publications, patents, or conference presentations.
• Required: Strong communication skills with demonstrated collaborative leadership in cross-functional process development teams.
• Required: Experience supporting development from preclinical through commercial stages.
• Required: Experience in regulated pharmaceutical environments including GMP operations and authoring regulatory submissions.
• Required: This is an on-site role (5 days/week).
• Required: Submission of a research summary is required.
• Preferred: Experience developing drug-linkers for ADCs, PROTACS, DACs or other targeted mixed-modality therapeutics.
• Preferred: Experience mentoring and developing scientific staff.
• Preferred: Experience with technology transfer and oversight of external development work.
• Preferred: Experience at innovator pharmaceutical companies strongly preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Relocation support available.