Scientist - Formulation Development

Job Introduction

Why Dechra? 

Thank you for checking out our vacancy, we’re delighted you want to learn more about joining Dechra. 

Dechra is a growing, global specialist within the world of veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.

Here at Dechra, our values are embedded within our culture and thrive within our family of almost 3000 colleagues globally. From manufacturing to marketing, (D)edication, (E)njoyment, (C)ourage, (H)onesty, (R)elationships and (A)mbition are at the heart of our everyday operations and the way we do business.

The Opportunity 

Dechra is an international specialist veterinary pharmaceuticals products business. Our expertise lies in the development, manufacture, sales and marketing of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.  

The Scientist Formulation Development role contributes to the successful and timely development of novel and generic pharmaceutical products, via the development, preparation and selection of appropriate and physically/chemically stable formulations for a variety of dosage forms. The incumbent should have a high degree of independence in the conduct of laboratory scale research and development programmes. They will be responsible for drug product formulation development in support of (pre)clinical and stability studies, contribute to the design of the manufacturing process and support the scale of up for manufacturing of registration batches. The incumbent participates in execution of Dechra development projects and can participate in international cross-functional and cross-site project teams.  Solid dosage forms (tablets) are the primary (but not exclusively) products developed and evaluated by the Skipton team. 

Role Responsibilities

So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied remit and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including: 

• Development and characterisation of appropriate formulations(and their constituents e.g. API) and selection of packages to meet marketing, clinical and regulatory requirements (target product profile)
• Manufacture small (laboratory) scale formulation batches using processes that are appropriate for manufacturing on a commercial scale, for use in characterization, non-clinical and clinical testing (such as direct compression, wet granulation, fluid bed drying/granulation, tablet coating).
• Contribute to the to technology transfer (scale-up) to manufacturing site.
• Competent in the handling of tablet manufacturing equipment, such as blending, granulation and compression equipment and physical characterisation tools to analyse the formulations. Keeping up to date with advances in formulation and manufacturing technology.
• Applies key API and/or formulation physicochemical data to support development process and identify the root cause of potential R&D, stability and performance issues (eg.pKa, pH, solubility, disintegration, dissolution, particle size, HPLC assay, etc.)
• Actively contributes to planning, developing and implementation of scientifically well-designed experimental programs and demonstrates creativity and capability in pharmaceutical research and development (with support from senior colleagues as required). 
• Adheres to departmental and Dechra EH&S requirements.
• Adheres to Dechra SOP and GMP requirements.
• Accurately and contemporaneously records experimental procedures, test results and observations and reviews data to meet corporate and regulatory requirements.
• Actively manages priorities and schedules experimental work etc to meet or exceed project milestones in collaboration with analytical and other CMC colleagues. Regularly communicates project progress, challenges and potential delays to stakeholders.
• As applicable, arranges/performs Preventative Maintenance (PM) and Performance Qualification (PQ) for equipment for which they are responsible.
• Authors and reviews technical documents, such as protocols, reports, batch records, and operating procedures.
• Assists in preparation of Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control (CMC) documents for Regulatory submission
• Actively manages working relationships through engagement with cross-functional and cross-site teams in the design and execution of studies e.g. technical services/manufacturing, clinical, regulatory, QA/QC etc.
• Reports project progress against technical and project objectives to Product Development Manager, CMC (CMC lead)and Pharmaceutical Development Manager (functional line management).

The Candidate 

Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer. We know that individuals’ unique background and experience can bring a wealth of variety and expertise to our global workforce. For this role, we’re particularly keen to hear from those who have/are:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field e.g. Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Science.
• Hands on experience in formulation development in at least one dosage forms. At Scientist level, considerable past formulation experience is essential to role. However, applications are encouraged from candidates with limited practical experience in formulation as there is potential for you to be considered for a more junior role instead. 
• Hands on experience in formulation development of a variety of dosage forms, some past tablet experience is essential to role.
• Good working knowledge of physical and chemical techniques used to characterise raw materials and finished products.

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of regulatory requirements, including FDA, EMEA, VICH/ICH regulations. Experience in some of the following; solids: direct compression, wet and dry granulation, liquids, suspensions.    
• Master’s Degree in a relevant field e.g. Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy 
• For the more junior role, at least a year-sandwich placement in a commercial setting working in formulation development will be required. 

   What we can offer you: 

• 30 days annual (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• 9 day working fortnight (every 2nd Friday off) 
• Holiday purchase scheme 
• Healthcare
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Life Assurance 
• 8% Employer Pension Contribution 
• Enhanced Family Leave 
• Discounted Pet Food 

About the Company
 

All applications received are reviewed by our internal talent acquisition team and we will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we're looking for. Should you not hear back from us within 28 days please don't be too disappointed - we may keep your CV on our database for any future vacancies which could be suitable, and we encourage you to keep an eye on our careers site. We value diversity within our global workforce and encourage an inclusive culture. Any questions or queries, please contact us at recruituk@dechra.com