Senior Level Principal Scientist Jobs

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This is a full-time, onsite, Principal Scientist – NMR Spectroscopy position located in Research Triangle Park (RTP) Morrisville, NC, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

SUMMARY

The Principal Scientist – NMR Spectroscopy is a senior technical leader responsible for biomolecular and small‑molecule NMR characterization within a fast‑paced CRO environment. This role provides expert‑level guidance in NMR spectroscopy and complementary analytical techniques to support structure confirmation, reference standard qualification activities, method development, and GMP/GLP‑aligned laboratory operations. The Principal Scientist serves as the technical authority for NMR instrumentation and data interpretation, leads complex investigations, supports client engagement and cross‑functional initiatives, and mentors scientists through innovation, scientific rigor, and collaboration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Leads biomolecular NMR characterization of protein and oligonucleotide samples, including sample handling and preparation, assessment of suitability and stability, execution of multidimensional NMR experiments, and application of testing requirements and orthogonal characterization workflows to support structure confirmation, method development, and data interpretation.

• Leads small‑molecule NMR analysis, including 1D and 2D experiments (¹H, ¹³C, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY, etc.), to support identity, purity, and structural confirmation of chemical entities.

• Demonstrates knowledge of reference standard qualification requirements, including analytical study design and the use of NMR and orthogonal techniques such as mass spectrometry, HPLC, FTIR, UV‑Vis, TGA, DSC, and Karl Fischer.

• Serves as the primary technical authority for NMR instrumentation, including method development, optimization, troubleshooting, calibration, and maintenance oversight.

• Supports marketing strategy, service positioning, and client engagement by contributing technical insight and participating in client discussions to align analytical solutions with project objectives.

• Partners with clients to address technical questions, propose analytical strategies, and support project planning and timelines.

• Represents the analytical team in client meetings, audits, and internal leadership discussions, and communicates complex scientific concepts clearly and effectively.

• Guides method transfers, validations, and cross‑functional scientific initiatives and contributes to resource planning and project prioritization.

• Interprets and reviews complex analytical data, reports, and COAs to ensure scientific rigor, compliance, and regulatory readiness.

• Leads technical investigations, OOS/OOT assessments, and CAPAs and reinforces compliance with GMP/GLP, compendial requirements, internal SOPs, and best practices in safety, documentation, and data integrity.

• Contributes to a collaborative, high‑performance culture through leadership, professionalism, and scientific excellence.

• Identifies and implements process improvements, new technologies, and workflow enhancements to strengthen laboratory capability and efficiency.

• Mentors and develops junior and mid‑level scientists and provides structured training in NMR theory, operation, and data interpretation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline preferred; candidates with a master’s or bachelor’s degree and extensive NMR experience may also be considered.

• Minimum of 8–10 years of analytical chemistry experience in a CRO, pharmaceutical, or regulated laboratory environment.

• Expert‑level proficiency in NMR spectroscopy is required, including structural elucidation, advanced method development, and biomolecular NMR experience with proteins and oligonucleotides.

• Demonstrated experience leading scientific teams, mentoring staff, or providing technical leadership.

• Experience in GMP/GLP laboratory environments strongly preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Knowledge

• Deep understanding of NMR theory, pulse sequences, spectral interpretation, and instrument operation.

• Strong knowledge of biomolecular NMR principles and their application to proteins and oligonucleotides.

• Strong working knowledge of compendial requirements (USP/EP/JP) and analytical quality systems.

• Working knowledge of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and other characterization techniques to support orthogonal testing.

• Understanding of laboratory quality systems, data integrity principles, and regulatory expectations.

• Experience with NMR data processing software (e.g., TopSpin, MNova, VnmrJ, Mdrive).

Skills

• Expert‑level ability to interpret complex NMR spectra and integrate data across multiple analytical platforms.

• Demonstrated ability to apply biomolecular NMR approaches to the characterization of proteins and oligonucleotides.

• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team‑building capabilities.

• Ability to manage multiple high‑priority projects in a client‑driven environment.

• Excellent technical writing, documentation, and communication skills.

• Strong problem‑solving, critical thinking, and scientific decision‑making abilities.

• Ability to present complex scientific information to clients, auditors, and internal leadership.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to work in a lab and office setting, use standard office and lab equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a lab and office setting. Work is subject to chemicals, fumes, gases, noxious odors, and related items in a lab and sample setting.

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Benefits
When you join Pace®, you commit to work that makes a positive impact on our communities and our world. We commit to supporting you with benefits and perks that make a positive impact on your life. Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes competitive salaries, medical, dental vision, 401K retirement savings plan (100% vested immediately in the employer match), life, disability and voluntary benefits, paid time off for holiday, sick and vacation days, HSA, wellness program, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance program, parental leave, optional legal coverage and ID theft.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pace® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, genetics, protected veteran status, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.