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Associate Director / Senior Scientist, Product Development

San Mateo, CA 94402

Posted: 04/16/2025 Employment Type: Direct Hire/Perm Job Category: Manufacturing Job Number: 618619 Is job remote?: No Country: United States

Job Description

The Associate Director / Senior Scientist of Product Development is a critical role and will be responsible for key aspects of pharmaceutical development. The role will focus on late-stage product development of a biologic / device combination product, inclusive of manufacturing process development and scale up / validation, and critical product characterization and stability supporting clinical and BLA registration studies.

Education and experience:
  • Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical sciences, Chemical engineering, Biochemical engineering or related field.
  • 6-10 years in lipid formulations, liposomes or related drug delivery technologies.
  • 2-5 years of manufacturing process development (lyophilization) is a plus.
  • Extensive experience working with CDMOs is required.  
  • Late-stage product development experience is required.
  • Experience authoring CMC dossiers for FDA, EMA and other regulatory agencies is a must.
  • Knowledge and experience in drug-device development, inhalation drug delivery is a plus.
  • Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices, ICH, FDA, Health Canada and MHRA Regulations is required
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Leadership & Strategy: Oversee product development for biologics, proteins, and peptides, managing projects with CDMOs. Develop and execute strategies aligned with company mission and regulatory standards.
  • Product Development: Research, design and execute controlled experiments, with high attention to detail to development of stable and effective drug product, fit for commercialization. Conduct QbD experiments to identify CQAs that impact product performance and stability.  Conduct registration enabling stability studies and product characterization studies per appropriate ICH guidance's.  Experience working on lipid based and / or protein-based biologics is required. Experience with lyophilization process development and optimization is a plus.
  • CDMO/CMO Collaboration: Serve as the primary liaison with external manufacturing / analytical partners. Ensure effective communication and coordination to meet project timelines and quality expectations.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Prepare and review documentation for regulatory submissions (INDs, BLAs, NDAs). Ensure adherence to cGMP and regulatory requirements. Experience authoring late-stage regulatory dossiers, particularly BLAs is required.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Quality Assurance teams to integrate product development within overall project goals.
  • Troubleshooting & Problem Solving: Address and resolve formulation, process optimization, analytical issues during development and manufacturing. Implement corrective and preventive actions as needed.

Ideal candidates will have the following skills:
  • Technical Expertise:  Experience with lipid-based products (including proteins) and drug-device combination products is required.  Experience with manufacturing process development and validation is preferred.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of regulatory requirements and submission processes for IND and BLA.
  • Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
    • Results oriented. Strong initiative, accountability and willingness to take ownership and drive projects to completion. Work independently with CDMOs without close supervision.
    • Proven ability to operate effectively across a matrix organization to drive programs according to timelines; ability to articulate project objectives and priorities
    • Dynamic thinker with a sense of urgency and a bias toward action
    • Must be comfortable and confident challenging the status quo and pushing the teams to look at issues and opportunities from all angles
 

The staffing industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly and never provide banking information during the application process. Candidate safety is a top priority at Planet Pharma.

Planet Pharma is an equal opportunity employer. It is our practice not to discriminate against any employee or applicant based on any criteria, condition or basis protected by laws or regulations in the locations where we do business. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect. We believe that diversity, equity and inclusion enable us to better meet our mission and values while serving our clients across the globe. If you have a disability or handicap and would like us to accommodate you in any reasonable way, please inform your recruiter, or contact us, so that we can discuss the appropriate alternatives available.

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About San Mateo, CA

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore our job opportunities in the vibrant San Mateo, California area today! Located in the heart of the Bay Area, San Mateo offers a perfect blend of picturesque landscapes, bustling tech industry, and a rich cultural scene. From the iconic Coyote Point Park to the bustling downtown with its array of dining options, art galleries, and theaters, there is something for everyone here. With proximity to professional sports teams like the San Francisco Giants and Warriors, as well as easy access to the stunning Half Moon Bay and Pacific Ocean beaches, San Mateo provides a unique backdrop for career growth and personal enjoyment. Don't miss out on the chance to make your mark in this dynamic and inviting community!

Although this hasn't been an issue at Planet Pharma, the staffing industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly and never provide banking information during the application process. Candidate safety is a top priority at Planet Pharma.