Production · San Diego

Production Chemist - Mid Shift- San Diego

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Production Chemist - Mid Shift

Location: San Diego, CA | Employment Type: Full-Time

PolyPeptide is seeking a Production Chemist (I, II, and III) to support the manufacture of high-quality Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in a cGMP-regulated environment. These roles are critical to our mission of delivering safe, effective, and on-time pharmaceutical products to patients worldwide.

Whether you are early in your career or an experienced chemist ready to lead, we offer a clear growth path, hands-on manufacturing experience, and the opportunity to work with advanced peptide synthesis and purification technologies.

What You’ll Do (All Levels)

As a Production Chemist, you will be responsible for executing and supporting peptide manufacturing operations across upstream synthesis and downstream purification, while maintaining strict compliance with cGMP, safety, and quality standards.

Core Responsibilities

Execute batch production records (BPRs) accurately and in compliance with SOPs and GxP requirements

Operate and monitor chemical processes including reactors, drying systems, purification HPLCs, and lyophilization

Perform in-process controls (IPCs) and interpret analytical results (e.g., HPLC, ninhydrin tests)

Ensure proper material handling, inventory management, and ERP documentation following ALCOA+ principles

Maintain high standards of safety, cleanliness, PPE usage, and 5S practices

Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams including QA, QC, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain

Level-Based Scope & Growth

Production Chemist I

Entry-level to early-career role with hands-on manufacturing responsibility

Works under general supervision following established procedures

Focused on execution, learning cGMP operations, and building technical expertise

Ideal for candidates new to peptide manufacturing or regulated production environments

Production Chemist II

Experienced individual contributor with increasing autonomy

Troubleshoots process deviations, supports investigations, and assists with CAPAs and quality documentation

Trains and mentors Chemist I team members

Participates in process improvements, tech transfers, and scale-up activities

Production Chemist III

Senior-level chemist and technical leader

Acts as a subject matter expert (SME) for processes and equipment

Makes operational “go/no-go” decisions with Quality and leadership

Leads troubleshooting, process optimization, and mentoring of Chemist I & II staff

Supports production planning, forecasting, and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications (Level-Appropriate)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent

High School Diploma with significant GMP manufacturing experience may be considered (Chemist I)

Experience

Chemist I: 0–2 years of relevant experience (peptide manufacturing preferred)

Chemist II: 3+ years of relevant experience in a regulated environment

Chemist III: 5+ years of relevant experience with demonstrated leadership and technical expertise

Key Skills

Peptide synthesis and purification (HPLC)

cGMP documentation and compliance

Safe handling of hazardous chemicals and reagents

Strong communication, teamwork, and time management

Problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset

Work Environment

Hands-on manufacturing environment with hazardous materials

Ability to wear respirators and required PPE

Regular standing, walking, and lifting up to 25 lbs

Why PolyPeptide Laboratories

At PolyPeptide Laboratories, you’ll do meaningful, hands-on work that directly supports life-changing pharmaceutical therapies. We offer a collaborative, safety-first manufacturing environment with clear growth paths, advanced technologies, and the opportunity to develop your expertise alongside experienced scientists who care about quality and doing things the right way.

Your work here won’t just advance your career; it will help deliver medicines that truly make a difference.

Work Hours

Mid Shift hours: Monday- Friday from 12PM-8:30PM

Salary

Production Chemist I: $28-$33/hr

Production Chemist II: $33-$37/hr

Production Chemist III: $37-$45/hr

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Department

Production

Role

Production Chemist I

Location

San Diego

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Perks & Benefits

Paid Holidays (13 Holidays)

Paid Vacation Leave

Paid Sick Leave

Birthday Off

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Basic Life Policy & AD&D

401K (6%Matching)

Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)

Student Debt Reduction Program

Fresh Fruit Program

Our Values

INNOVATION

✓We are curious and explore new ways.
✓We are ambitious and find solutions.

EXCELLENCE

✓We have a strong technical knowledge and we deliver results.
✓We deliver quality in everything we do.

TRUST

✓We believe in teamwork and collaboration.
✓We lead by example and accept responsibility.

About PolyPeptide US

PolyPeptide is a specialized Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) for peptide and oligonucleotide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). By supporting its customers mainly in pharma and biotech, it contributes to the health of millions of patients across the world.

PolyPeptide serves a fast-growing market, offering products and services from pre-clinical through to commercial stages. Its broad portfolio reflects the opportunities in drug therapies across areas and with a large exposure to metabolic diseases, including GLP-1.

Dating back to 1952, PolyPeptide today runs a global manufacturing network in Europe, the U.S. and India.

Founded in 1996