Principal Scientist / Sr. Principal Scientist, Vibrational Spectroscopy & Biophysical Characterization (Materials Science & Engineering)

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Business Unit Overview:

Material Science & Engineering (MSE) in Drug Product Development (DPD) plays an integral role in material selection and establishing robust material strategies throughout drug product development. The Advanced Material Characterization (AMC) team furthers the knowledge of complex pharmaceutical materials using novel applications of solid-state characterization techniques.

Position Overview:

As a Principal Scientist in the AMC group, you will be responsible for solid-state characterization, primarily using vibrational spectroscopic techniques, throughout all stages of pharmaceutical development (from discovery to commercialization). Primary activities will include using non-routine techniques to characterize both common and complex pharmaceutical materials. In this role you will also provide significant support for novel materials research and development efforts, including a broad range of materials, such as small molecule APIs (crystalline and non-crystalline); biologics; Drug Product Intermediates (DPI); drug products; and excipients. This job will require deep knowledge, extensive experience, and the necessary skill sets in advanced solid-state characterization techniques like vibrational spectroscopy and biophysical characterization.  Experience with ssNMR is a plus.  Familiarity with advanced thermal analysis, optical and electron imaging analysis, plus common knowledge of biopharmaceutical physical characterization is desirable.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct polymorph characterization of small molecule APIs and method development for the determination of API form changes in drug products by vibrational spectroscopy to support drug product formulation and process development. 
• Support the advancement and application of novel biophysical technologies to gain detailed insights into the structural and functional properties of our therapeutic candidates
• Collaborate closely with the Sterile Product Development team to characterize protein aggregation, particulate formation, and lyophilized protein solids to support formulation and process development in biologics.
• Independently conduct experiments, interpret data, and convert findings to knowledge.
• Prepare and present analytical results and conclusions both orally and in writing to cross-functional teams and contribute to decision-making.
• Provide leadership, education and mentorship to scientific staff and others.
• Serve on and lead matrix and project teams.
• Oversee and enhance lab instrumentation, workflows, and procedures.
• Collaborate with external partners, such as vendors and academic institutions, to leverage their expertise and resources for material characterization.
• Maintain a safe and organized laboratory environment, adhering to all relevant safety protocols and guidelines.

Education & Experience:

• Principal Scientist Level:  Ph.D. in physical chemistry, biophysics, materials or pharmaceutical science, chemical engineering, polymer science, or a related discipline, with 4+ years of pharmaceutical/chemical industry or related experience, or a BS/MS with 6+ years of pharmaceutical/chemical industry or related experience.
• Sr. Principal Scientist Level:  Ph.D. in physical chemistry, biophysics, materials or pharmaceutical science, chemical engineering, polymer science, or a related discipline, with 6+ years of pharmaceutical/chemical industry or related experience, or a BS/MS with 9+ years of pharmaceutical/chemical industry or related experience.
• In-depth knowledge of vibrational spectroscopy, biophysical characterization and instrumentati