Scientist or Sr. Scientist, Solid State Form and Powder Properties Characterization

Role Summary

Scientist or Senior Scientist, Solid State Form and Powder Properties Characterization. Responsible for solid state form and powder properties characterization to guide robust drug substance and drug product development across all stages, from discovery to commercialization. Build powder property knowledge, identify critical quality attributes, and propose powder property control strategies. Collaborate within cross-functional teams and maintain rigorous documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of powders such as form/polymorph, thermal properties, particle size, surface area, and morphology; support solid state characterization method development, optimization, troubleshooting, validation, and transfer.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide technical expertise and support in selection, processing, and optimization of powder materials for specific applications.
• Generate accurate and detailed reports, documenting experimental procedures, results, and conclusions.
• Contribute to the development of new methodologies and techniques for form and powder characterization and analysis.
• Assist in the scale-up and manufacturing processes of powder-based products, ensuring quality and consistency.
• Collaborate with external partners, such as vendors and academic institutions, to leverage their expertise and resources for powder-related projects.
• Maintain a safe and organized laboratory environment, adhering to all relevant safety protocols and guidelines.

Qualifications

• Senior Scientist: Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., physical chemistry, materials/pharmaceutical science, chemical engineering) with 2–4 years of industry experience, or MS with 4–6 years, or BS with 7–9 years.
• Scientist: Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., physical chemistry, materials/pharmaceutical science, chemical engineering) with 0–2 years of industry experience, or MS with 2–4 years, or BS with 5–7 years.
• Expertise in solid state characterization techniques such as XRD, TGA, DSC, vapor sorption, vibrational spectroscopy, single crystal crystallography, ssNMR, surface area (BET), particle size (LLS), microscopy (e.g., SEM), static and dynamic image analysis (e.g., Malvern Morphologi G4 and Sympatec QicPic) is preferred.
• Knowledge of drug substance and drug product manufacturing processes and other bulk characterization techniques (e.g., powder flow, rheology, friability, stickiness) is a plus.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work within and lead cross-functional teams.
• Understand and apply Quality by Design and DOE approaches when required.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot experimental challenges.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Exposure to handling chemical agents and safety considerations.

Skills

• Solid-state characterization
• Powder property analysis
• Cross-functional collaboration
• DOE and Quality by Design
• Problem solving and troubleshooting

Education

• Ph.D. or M.S. or B.S. in physical chemistry, materials science, pharmaceutical science, chemical engineering, or related field (as applicable to the role level).