Contract Process Chemist

Contract Process Chemist – Natural Product Isolation & Neuropharmacology/ADMEPosition Overview

We are seeking an experienced Contract Process Chemist with expertise in natural product isolation, botanical alkaloids, and neuropharmacology to support the development of standardized extraction, purification, analytical, and documentation procedures for plant-derived compounds. The ideal candidate will have experience translating laboratory methods into scalable, reproducible Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) while ensuring scientific rigor and regulatory compliance.

This is a project-based contract position with flexible scheduling and the potential for future engagements based on project needs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the extraction, isolation, purification, characterization, storage, and handling of botanical alkaloids and other natural plant-derived compounds.
• Design and optimize workflows for natural product isolation using techniques such as solvent extraction, acid-base extraction, chromatography, crystallization, and related purification methods.
• Establish standardized procedures for sample preparation, documentation, quality control, and batch-to-batch reproducibility.
• Recommend analytical methods for identity, purity, potency, and impurity profiling using instrumentation such as HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, NMR, UV-Vis, FTIR, and related techniques.
• Develop laboratory documentation systems including SOPs, batch records, equipment logs, validation protocols, and technical reports.
• Provide scientific guidance regarding botanical chemistry, alkaloid stability, degradation pathways, and storage conditions.
• Collaborate with research scientists to improve extraction efficiency, compound recovery, and process consistency.
• Review current laboratory procedures and recommend improvements aligned with industry best practices.
• Support literature review and experimental design for natural products with neuropharmacological relevance.
• Advise on ADME considerations during early-stage research, including compound stability, metabolism, permeability, and pharmacokinetic characteristics where applicable.

Required Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Natural Products Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in natural products chemistry, pharmaceutical process chemistry, or botanical extraction.
• Demonstrated expertise in botanical alkaloid isolation and purification.
• Strong understanding of chromatographic separation techniques and analytical chemistry.
• Experience developing laboratory SOPs, technical documentation, and quality systems.
• Working knowledge of neuropharmacology and CNS-active natural products.
• Familiarity with ADME principles and early-stage drug discovery workflows.
• Excellent scientific writing and technical communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while meeting project milestones.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GMP, GLP, or ISO laboratory environments.
• Background in phytochemistry or ethnobotanical research.
• Experience scaling extraction processes from laboratory to pilot production.
• Familiarity with method validation and analytical method development.
• Experience working with contract research organizations (CROs), biotechnology companies, or pharmaceutical laboratories.

Deliverables

The selected consultant will be expected to deliver:

• Complete SOP package for botanical alkaloid extraction and purification.
• SOPs for handling, storage, documentation, and quality control of botanical extracts.
• Standardized workflows for analytical testing and compound characterization.
• Recommendations for laboratory equipment, consumables, and analytical instrumentation.
• Process optimization report with recommendations for improving yield, purity, reproducibility, and scalability.
• Technical documentation suitable for future laboratory implementation and staff training.

Contract Details

• Contract Type: Independent Contractor (1099)
• Duration: Project-based (estimated 3–6 months)
• Location: Remote, hybrid, or on-site (depending on project requirements)
• Compensation: Competitive hourly or project-based rate, commensurate with experience

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands-on natural products chemist who combines expertise in botanical extraction, alkaloid chemistry, analytical method development, and neuropharmacology with a strong ability to create clear, practical SOPs. They should be capable of transforming research methods into standardized, reproducible laboratory processes that support high-quality scientific research and future process scale-up.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000 - $100,000