Site: Stirrup Creek, Durham, NC FLSA Status (US Only): Exempt
Department: Analytical R&D Reporting To: Associate Director, Analytical R&D
Position Summary The Scientist III/ Sr. Scientist is responsible for developing and validating analytical methods to support drug formulation development in a GMP-compliant laboratory. This role involves performing validations, stability testing, and forced degradation studies while ensuring data integrity and regulatory compliance. The scientist will independently manage projects, including literature reviews, experimental design, execution, and reporting. Responsibilities also include authoring technical documents such as method validation protocols, development reports, and SOPs, as well as troubleshooting analytical instrumentation like HPLC and GC. Additionally, the role requires mentoring junior scientists, collaborating with cross-functional teams such as Formulation R&D, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance, and maintaining a safe, well-organized laboratory environment.
Essential Functions
Develop and validate analytical methods to support formulation drug development under minimal supervision
Perform routine testing including stability testing, solubility studies, and Drug-Excipient Compatibility studies as and when needed
Ability to own projects independently including literature review, material sourcing, design experiments, executing/delegating tasks and providing data to customers
Perform forced degradation studies
Author product development reports and investigation reports
Author/ Co-author analytical methods, validation and transfer protocols, instrument qualification protocols, validation/qualification reports, SOPs, etc.
Execute routine instrument troubleshooting, peer review of laboratory notebooks, maintenance of logbooks
Maintain laboratory equipment, including calibration scheduling, acquisition, and basic maintenance programs
Maintain a GMP-compliant analytical laboratory and safe working environment, maintain lab inventory
Review laboratory notebooks, data packs, and reports under minimal supervision. Trend stability data.
Present data to the customers, attend client meetings as needed under minimal guidance
Supervise, mentor, train and develop junior scientists
Supervisory responsibilities: Direct Reports: No; Indirect Reports: Yes
Key Relationships (examples: Depts or Individual positions that this position will be working closely with):
Process Development/ Formulation R&D
Quality Control
Quality Assurance
Education and Experience
B.S., with 8+ years', M.S., with 6+ years' experience, Ph.D.: focus in chemistry, biology, pharmaceutics
4+ years’ experience in a GMP laboratory setting
Proven track record developing and validating GMP-compliant HPLC and GC methods to assess drug product stability
Experience developing methods for topical drug products is a plus
Experience diagnosing and troubleshooting HPLC instrumentation, and addressing OOS and OOT results
Experience with the operation of HPLC and GC
Experience with Empower 3 software
Experience with UV, FTIR, KF, optical microscopy, PSD, viscosity, and rheological methodology a plus
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of cGMP regulations and ICH, USP, and FDA guidelines
Speaks, writes, listens, and presents information in a logical and articulate manner appropriate for the audience
Technical report writing proficiency preferred
Experience with software such as MasterControl and MS Office preferred
Thorough when performing work, conscientious about attending to detail, and uses logical thinking that is well-organized and methodical
Physical Demands and Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, there may be certain physical demands required for the position.
Occasionally required to lift/carry up to 20lbs
Requires standing/walking for extended periods in a climate-controlled lab environment
Frequent bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, and sitting may be required
May be exposed to moderate noise levels in a climate-controlled lab environment
Other Duties You may be asked to take on any other responsibilities or tasks that are within your skills and abilities whenever reasonably asked.
Limitations and Disclaimer The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. The Company is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the workplace to ensure the role is accessible to all candidates, including those with disabilities. To perform the job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.