Scientist III

Who is USP?

The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is an independent scientific organization that collaborates with the world’s leading health and science experts to develop rigorous quality standards for medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. At USP, we believe that scientific excellence is driven by a commitment to fairness, integrity, and global collaboration. This belief is embedded in our core value of Passion for Quality and is demonstrated through the contributions of more than 1,300 professionals across twenty global locations, working to strengthen the supply of safe, high-quality medicines worldwide.

At USP, we value inclusive scientific collaboration and recognize that attracting diverse expertise strengthens our ability to develop trusted public health standards. We foster an organizational culture that supports equitable access to mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities. Our partnerships, standards, and research reflect our belief that ensuring broad participation in scientific leadership results in stronger, more impactful outcomes for global health.

USP is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer (EEOE) and is committed to ensuring fair, merit-based selection processes that enable the best scientific minds—regardless of background—to contribute to advancing public health solutions worldwide. We provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and uphold policies that create an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Brief Job Overview

This is a key laboratory research scientist position in USP’s Dosage Form Performance Laboratory (DFPL). In this role, the Scientist III is responsible for conducting routine and non-routine analyses relevant to the development and support of reference materials used for the PVT of dissolution apparatuses. The Scientist III provides technical oversight, solves technical problems, reviews generated laboratory data, issues reports, and serves as a point of contact for questions and comments related to dissolution method development and validation. This individual is also responsible for reviewing and maintaining instrument methods (SOPs), reviewing test protocols, and reviewing other scientists’ data and reports. The incumbent works hands-on conducting testing, training and/or problem solving at the bench and providing technical assistance, as needed.

How will YOU create impact here at USP?

As part of our mission to advance scientific rigor and public health standards, you will play a vital role in increasing global access to high-quality medicines through public standards and related programs. USP prioritizes scientific integrity, regulatory excellence, and evidence-based decision-making to ensure health systems worldwide can rely on strong, tested, and globally relevant quality standards.

Additionally, USP’s People and Culture division, in partnership with the Equity Office, invests in leadership and workforce development to equip all employees with the skills to create high-performing, inclusive teams. This includes training in equitable management practices and tools to promote engaged, collaborative, and results-driven work environments.

The Scientist III has the following responsibilities:

• 75% of time in laboratory duties:
  • Performs routine drug release testing and chemical analysis on developmental formulation and candidate reference materials; examples of test procedures include USP Apparatus 1 and 2 dissolution testing, UV-Vis analyses, Loss on Drying, Karl Fischer titrations, Disintegration, Hardness testing, Friability, Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)/ Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), particle size determination by laser diffraction, liquid chromatography; Prepares solutions and reagents as needed.
  • Participates in cross-functional teams involved in reference standards development, including test protocol generation and review.
  • Conducts research into processes and techniques of relevance to pharmaceutical dosage form in vitro testing and dosage for performance characterization.
  • Provides and assists in technical and professional training of lab staff members.
• 25% other laboratory duties:
  • Define critical processes and workflows of projects.
  • Implement data collection systems and databases.
  • Assess protocol effectiveness and develop recommendations for improvement.
  • Develops and validates analytical methods.
  • Coordinates activities among the team members and communicates results of work.
  • Assists in planning, research, and development required for all projects.
  • Prepares and presents oral and written reports.
  • Provides project and technical support including managing project tasks via interacting with internal and external clients, other departments and USP customers to create an achievable work schedule.
  • Serves as a mentor for scientists in the laboratory regarding technical knowledge, work ethics, and attitude.
  • Initiates and coordinates issue management when necessary, using Master Control, or equivalent issue management software.
  • Prepares evaluation reports and presents data internally within USP and externally to customers and stakeholders.
  • Serves as the technical lead for investigations, corrective action plans and implementation of corrective actions.
  • Troubleshoots methods and instrumentation issues. This will involve data mining, trending and analysis to identify problems or determine process controls necessary to mitigate risks to data quality.
  • Conducts scientific seminars and presents scientific work.
  • Reviews, interprets, and evaluates available scientific literature.
  • Investigates, evaluates, and recommends the purchase of laboratory equipment.

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 Chemistry or related field, or
• M.S. in Chemistry or related field and 5 years of experience evaluating drug product performance and quality, or
• B.A./B.S. in Chemistry or related field and 10 years of experience evaluating drug product performance and quality.

Additional Desired Preferences

• Must have the capability to plan and conduct research independently.
• Familiarity with the cGMP and/or ISO requirements for testing laboratories is required.
• Research experience in dosage form characterization and in vitro testing is required.
• Previous project management experience.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficient with drug release and product testing involving compendial methods (USP, BP, EP, etc.).
• Accepts personal responsibility to ensure the work is delivered on time and is of the highest quality.
• Skilled in anticipating, troubleshooting and solving technical problems.
• Possesses ability to build technical expertise in others by serving as a role model and positive influence on the team.
• Possesses experience and a proven track record of introducing new or innovative technologies into the laboratory.
• Proven analytical and multi-tasking abilities.

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 $87,200.00 – $113,450.00 annually.
Target Annual Bonus: % Varies based on level of role.

Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate’s 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.