Director, Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job Description

Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences (DPS) enables drug discovery and drug product development through application of pharmaceutical science and drug delivery research from target identification through clinical candidate selection for both small molecules, peptides, biologics and vaccines.  DPS influences molecular design of these clinical candidates through physicochemical property profiling and then applying insights to better understand, and resolve, drug product developability risks.  We further utilize our expertise to identify and develop solid state phases, develop and study prototype formulations intended for clinical use, and deliver robust GLP formulations.  In aggregate, our team enables the transition of optimal molecules from discovery to clinical formulation development with formulation strategies in place.  

The Director is responsible for leading a team in West Point, PA to enable the R&D goals of the organization. Goals include a) compound profiling, b) early formulation screening for stability and performance as well as c) development of prototype and concept formulations/drug delivery which would benefit the molecule given its therapeutic area. Research areas include solubilization, targeted delivery, permeation enhancer application, long acting parenteral, and modification of drug release.  In order to profile these compounds and their delivery routes the team must develop physical and chemical methods (XRD, TGA, DSC, DVS, HPLC, HP-SEC, DLS, Microscopy, etc.).  The successful candidate will have a strong track record of solving deep technical challenges. The role includes assessment of both small, peptide and protein-based modalities as the pipeline demands.

 

The Director reports to the Executive Director of Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences and will lead staff who work within multidisciplinary drug discovery and development teams.  The Director will effectively team with the Discovery Pharmaceutical Sciences leadership team in order to identify and advance key departmental technical, strategic and cultural initiatives. 

The Director drives scientific excellence and must excel in leading the conduct of scientific research in the pharmaceutical sciences field (preformulation, drug delivery, formulation development and analytical).  This should be evident via a publication track record.  The candidate will work in collaboration with sister departments within the Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply organization in order to translate compounds and formulation technology from prototype / clinical formulations into final commercial drug products.  The successful candidate will create, influence, and support the direction of Pharmaceutical Sciences research initiatives through the mentioned collaborations.  The Director selects, trains, mentors and carries out performance management for staff under direction within the framework of Company policy.  The position directs the preparation of and approves disclosures prepared within their group to be used as the basis for patent applications and scientific presentations/publications.  Plans, prepares and submits technical programs for budgetary approval annually.

Further the position will be responsible for identifying work appropriate for contract research organizations / service providers and ensures that appropriate quality and time attributes are achieved.

 

Education: 

• B.S. in chemistry or related pharmaceutical science is required with 14+ years of experience.

• M.S. in chemistry or related pharmaceutical science is preferred with 10+ years of experience

• Ph.D. in chemistry or related pharmaceutical science is preferred with 7+ years of experience

 

Required:

• 7 years drug product development experience

• Demonstrated ability in leading a research team (scientific mentorship or direct management). 

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.

• Strength in delivering results on firm deadlines in support of discovery/development programs

Must:

• West Point, PA

Required Skills:

Drug Delivery, Drug Development, Immunotherapy, Medicinal Chemistry, Microscopies, Patent Applications, Pharmaceutical Development, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Research, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Product Development, Scientific Research, Technical Problem-Solving

Preferred Skills:

Drug Discovery Process, Pharmaceutical Formulations, Pharmaceutical Products, Preformulation

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