Job Summary

In this role the job holder will spearhead research and development initiatives within the Material Development team, concentrating on polymer films. A central aspect of this role involves leading a global team dedicated to the discovery, evaluation, validation, and industrialization of innovative polymer films for pharmaceutical packaging applications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse international team in the development and industrialization of novel polymer films.
• Direct Material Development projects aimed at discovering groundbreaking materials for polymer and rubber formulations.
• Initiate, define, and assess new polymers for films and coatings in alignment with long-term strategies, alongside novel materials for elastomeric rubbers to enhance the performance of pharmaceutical primary closure components.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and offering guidance to the Material Development Team on inquiries related to coatings, films, and rubber formulations.
• Engage in proactive technology scouting by crafting and executing outreach strategies to identify emerging technologies for material development activities
• Document and report project milestones using project management tools within our GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) environment.
• Initiate, define, plan, execute, and interpret data from development and research projects, focusing on—but not limited to—film, coating, and thermoset formulations for pharmaceutical primary closure components.
• Identify, plan, and collaborate with external vendors and suppliers to establish new testing methodologies and materials.

Education

• Masters in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science with focus in Polymer Chemistry required
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science with focus in Polymer Chemistry or equivalent experience preferred

Work Experience

• Minimum of 8 years technically leading material development projects in the field of polymer sciences, preferable for pharmaceutical components
• Successfully led development projects in the field of polymer thin films or polymer synthesis for pharmaceutical applications

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Possesses expert-level understanding in polymer analysis, synthesis, blending, and functional enhancement.
• Demonstrates strong proficiency in rubber chemistry, including compounding and detailed analysis.
• Has a solid foundation and in-depth knowledge of surface chemistry and advanced coating technologies for polymer films.
• Excels in technically leading both global and cross-departmental project teams with expertise.
• Operates independently, requiring only guidance in intricate and challenging situations.
• Fosters a collaborative environment by providing leadership, while effectively identifying and addressing knowledge or skill gaps within project teams as necessary.
• Articulates complex concepts clearly, anticipates potential challenges, and effectively persuades others to consider alternative viewpoints.
• Experienced in delivering comprehensive written and verbal presentations to senior and executive management, showcasing a capability to convey information effectively.

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Additional Requirements

• Fluency in English, including both verbal and written communication skills required
• Fluency in German is preferred 
• Strong interpersonal and decision-making skills and the ability to effectively manage change and uncertainty
• Knowledge of applicable ISO, and USP standards for drug delivery
• Knowledge of applicable health authority regulations including FDA, MDR
• Proficiency in statistical methods/tools
• Experience in project management
• Understand and follow guidelines for sensitivity with IP protection
• Understand strategic direction and make contributions to strategy formation
• Must be able to communicate effectively with written and oral skills, make quick decisions, interpret data, read and write, speak in front of groups, express and exchange ideas, understand direction and adhere to procedures. Concise presentation skills at high profile conferences if needed.
• Organizational skills will enable planning, prioritization and achievement of goals especially of importance for the successful execution of related activities
• Read and interpret data, information and documents
• Must maintain the ability to work well with others in a variety of situations and have reliable and predictable attendance
• Must be able to multi-task, work under time constraints and exercise timely decision making, problem solve, and prioritize
• Must be able to deal with ambiguity and have the ability to make independent and sound judgments
• Observe and interpret situations, analyze and solve problems

Travel Requirements

Physical Requirements