Scientist - Particle & Powder Characterization group

Job description

Pharmaceutical Sciences is a department in the Small Molecule Value Stream of Pharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing Sciences (PDMS). The department is responsible for:

· Developability assessment of Discovery portfolio leads
· Definition of the drug product trajectory
· Solid state form selection for the drug substance
· Particle & Powder Characterization
· Characterization of Drug Substance, Raw materials and Drug Product

In the department of Pharmaceutical Sciences we currently have a vacancy for a Scientist in Particle & Powder Characterization.

Your Function
· You will be a member of the ‘Particle and Powder Characterization' group. This team is responsible for characterization activities related to particle properties (such as size and shape, morphology, specific surface area, mechanical properties , etc.) and powder behavior (such as powder flow, wettability, triboelectrification, etc.) in support of crystallization development & milling activities of API, Drug Product development, troubleshooting activities and marketed product support.

· You will interact with internal stakeholders and work with them in cross-functional Chemical Development, Drug Product Development, and Analytical Development teams.

· You will interact with stakeholders in process development and provide guidance with respect to processability of powders (i.e. flow, blending, compaction etc.), steer troubleshooting activities, etc..

· You will design, set up and perform experiments in the lab in order to understand powder behavior, mechanical properties, etc. and collaborate in this area with external partners.

· You will provide guidance and support to the Crystallization Technology Unit in the development of crystallization, drying and micronization processes.

· You strengthen the group by building/expanding solid expertise in a number of analytical techniques and areas such as, powder behavior i.e. powder rheology and underlying principles, and wetting behavior. You collaborate with external partners (CRO's, academia) to keep track of innovations in the field of these analytical techniques.

Desired profile

Desired Skills and Experience

·  PhD in Chemical (Bio)Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, or equivalent by experience with M.Sc. degree in a relevant area.
·  Experience and profound knowledge in at least one of the following areas: materials characterization with focus on particle and powder properties, powder rheology and underlying principles, surface chemistry.
·  Genuine interest in Pharmaceutical Sciences and related activities: preformulation and solid state characterization techniques.
·  You have good project management skills as well as communication skills (oral and written) allowing effective interactions with all levels of the organization.
·  You are a team player, able to collaborate with different departments and with colleagues from the solid state selection group.
·  Fluent English (both spoken and written), willing to learn basics of Dutch language (if applicable).
·  This position will be based out of Beerse, Belgium.