Director, Formulation Development

Role Summary

Xeris is seeking an experienced Director of Formulation Development to lead and manage a team developing innovative dosage forms and drug delivery systems. This role provides strategic and technical leadership across formulation activities, directing complex projects critical to advancing the company’s product pipeline. The position requires expertise in preformulation and formulation development studies, drug delivery technologies, and product development, with responsibilities including guidance, oversight, and mentoring of a team of scientists.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of scientists in the development and execution of complex formulation projects for injectable small molecules, peptides, and proteins using Xeris‚Äô novel proprietary formulation platforms.
• Provide strategic direction and guidance on all aspects of injectable small molecule, peptide, and protein formulations, including process development, characterization, scale-up, tech transfer and manufacturing support.
• Lead high throughput screening of excipients, selection of primary drug container closure systems, identification of degradation pathways, and development of stable formulations.
• Lead the development and implementation of novel formulation strategies for injectable products, including long-acting formulations, sustained release formulations, and targeted delivery systems.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of relevant technical/scientific literature, standard procedures, and pharmaceutical regulations relevant to the programs.
• Develop and implement innovative methods for characterization and stability testing of injectable biologics.
• Drive the development of robust and scalable manufacturing processes for injectable products.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with formulation development and manufacturing; anticipate manufacturability challenges in parenteral drug product development.
• Develop and manage project budgets and timelines, ensuring efficient and on-time completion of projects.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless product development.
• Provide guidance on quality aspects across regulatory filings related to specifications, acceptance criteria, and stability protocols.
• Cultivate partnerships by serving as lead point of contact with contract manufacturing organizations and external collaborators.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for injectable products (ICH guidelines and FDA regulations).
• Contribute to the preparation and submission of regulatory documentation (INDs, NDAs, BLAs).
• Provide expert technical support during regulatory inspections and audits.
• Build a high-performing team through mentoring, goal setting, and supporting continuing education of junior staff.
• Contribute to internal training programs and seminars related to formulation science and technology.
• Write and review study protocols and reports to support product development studies and regulatory filings.
• Stay current with the latest scientific literature and present findings at industry conferences and events.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and trends in injectable formulation development.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the formulation development process.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years in pharmaceutical development, with increasing management responsibility.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical development.
• Passion for innovation and scientific discovery, developing junior staff, and advancing healthcare through novel medicines.
• Knowledge and proficiency using experimental design and statistical analysis software (e.g., JMP / MiniTab / GraphPad Prism).
• Competencies: Attention to Detail, Independent Judgement, Teamwork & Collaboration, Self-Starter, Adaptability, Professionalism, Written & Verbal Communication skills, Functional Leadership, Problem-Solving skills, Project Management skills.
• Working Conditions: Position may require periodic evening and weekend work, periodic overnight travel; must be able to stand for extended periods and lift 25 lbs or more; adequate vision to read fine instruments; on-site at Chicago office five days per week; may involve hazardous chemicals; travel up to 10% may be required.

Education

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline.