Development Scientist

Croda is a FTSE 100 organization where we truly believe our people are our difference and this, along with our values of Innovative, Responsible and Together, creates ‘our Purpose, Smart science to improve lives™’. With over 5,000 employees globally, we specialize in the research and development of innovative ingredients for the Life Science and Consumer Care markets.

We are focused on developing our inclusive culture through accountability, collaboration and innovation. By joining Croda, you will be part of a team who are using smart science to create a more sustainable future.

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.

Why Croda?

At Croda, we believe our people are our difference. We are people-led, driven by the desire to do good and deliver value, a unifying principle shaped by all the great people that have travelled through Croda since our beginning in 1925. We pride ourselves on bringing together diverse teams and talents from across the globe and, guided by our values of Responsible, Innovative, and Together, we are passionate about building an inclusive, collaborative, and diverse organization with innovation and customer focus underpinning all that we do.

Croda recognizes employees as our strength and the diversity they bring to our workforce are directly linked to our ongoing success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate based on any protected attribute, including age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.