Title: Associate Scientist
Exton, Pennsylvania, US
This is a 100% onsite role located out of Exton, PA. Candidates applying must be residing within a commutable 50 mile radius to the job location.
Who We Are:
At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?
There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.
We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.
Job Summary
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform analysis using various established or experimental techniques, instrumentation, and/or test methods while following standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Uses critical thinking skills to analyze field failures to identify the root cause and documents findings per procedures. Is familiar with and utilizes a variety of root cause analysis methodologies to assess technical problems.
- Uses software tools (Salesforce, MasterControl, Microsoft Office Suite) to document and manage investigations.
- With guidance, assist in completing projects from protocol to final report.
- Uses strong technical writing skills to communicate findings in a technical, concise, and effective manner.
- Train new analysts as appropriate.
- Exercises creativity in developing new test / debugging methods.
- Keep current with new analytical techniques and technology.
- Assist in preparation of technical reports, work instructions, SOPs, qualification documentation, lab study design and preparation in study plans and protocols.
- Apply internal QA procedures and perform lab investigations, OOS, and OOT as required.
- Actively participate in and complete all appropriate training tasks in a timely manner and meet individual and departmental goals as required.
- Work independently and collaboratively with other technical experts, and laboratory management, making rational and sound decisions with self-motivation, adaptability, and a positive attitude.
- Support laboratory management in data quality-documentation, and archiving.
- Maintain compliance to cGMP and ISO requirements and established safety procedures.
- May utilize various inputs to schedule work, use Sharepoint, SAP, Excel files, and Word documents. Proficiently use MS Office products for data gathering, reporting, and data entry.
- May handle Test Requests – write, review, and approve, and maintain traceability of samples.
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry or a relevant scientific field preferred
- High School Diploma required
Work Experience
- No min required 0 - 3 years of experience required and
- Experience working in a laboratory or cGMP/pharmaceutical environment preferred
- Laboratory administrative/Coordinator/Analyst role preferred
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Support and contribute to Lean Sigma programs and activities towards delivery of the set target
- Knowledge of one of these skills: Container Closure Integrity, Physical / Mechanical testing such as Instron / Zwick, Particle Testing (HIAC, particle isolation, filtration and microscopy), Dimensional analysis (Smartscope or optical comparators)
- Method development and validation
- Willingness to learn and apply new analytical techniques
- Proficient in Microsoft Office tools and capable to learn other software programs
- Able to review regulatory code and learn safety standards
- Able to be aware of all relevant standard operating procedures as per Company policy as they are related to the position covered by this Job Description
- Able to comply with the company’s safety and quality policies at all times
Travel Requirements
Physical Requirements
Additional Requirements
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time
- Use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms
- Physical ability and willingness to wear proper gowning for work in an ISO 5 compliant particulate cleanroom environment
- 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
- 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
- Must be able to follow directions, multi-task, work under time constraints, problem solve, and prioritize
- Ability to make independent and sound judgments
- Observe and interpret situations, analyze and solve problems
West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you have a special need that requires accommodation in order to apply to West, please send an email to Apply.Accommodation@westpharma.com. Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening and/or a pre-employment drug screening.