Principal Scientist

ROLE SUMMARY
The successful candidate will have a strong process engineering background with relevant work experience in process development in any modality (e.g. small molecules, large molecules etc) or chemical development in a related industry, ideally with experience conducting one or more programs of statistically-designed experimentation. The candidate will support the development and delivery of scalable process to produce drug substance starting materials and intermediates for development programs, by applying engineering principles and new technologies.
Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams involving chemists, analysts, engineers, and technologists is essential, and they will collaborate closely with colleagues in global engineering team and with internal partner lines, e.g., Chemical R&D (CRD), Analytical R&D (ARD) and Pfizer Global Supply API Technology. Use their experience and broad knowledge in the leadership of a small team of engineers/technologists. They will participate in preparing the Vendor Synthesis Information Packages along with chemists and provide support for the technology transfer to third party facilities e.g., CDMOs (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations).
Skills
Must have

• Chemical Engineering Principles
• Process Engineering Tools
• Technology: Flow chemistry & PAT. Openness to adapt High Throughput Screening & automation
• People management skills
• Good communication (verbal and oral)
• Interpersonal skills (demonstrated good teamwork skills)
• Presentation skills

Nice to have

• Modelling & Simulations
• Process Safety
• Hydrogenation experience
• Technology Transfer

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Use extensive technical knowledge and experience in process engineering to personally deliver and guide the team in the development of state-of-the-art technology for the safe, sustainable, robust and cost-efficient manufacture of high-quality drug substance starting materials.
• Build and grow a collaborative and empowered engineering and technology team. Lead with integrity and provide first-class supervision, technical coaching, mentoring and leadership to colleagues within the team. Lead all aspect of performance management, supporting the setting of the teams' objectives and individual career growth discussions. Ensure colleagues in team receive appropriate training and maintain compliance.
• Support chemist for their process engineering studies (Mixing studies, filtration studies, Equipment mapping from lab scale to higher scale and hydrogenation support) and provide technical support as SME for CRD projects.
• Critically assess the safety of processes intended for manufacture of chemical entities. Apply an understanding of large-scale manufacturing equipment capabilities and operation to assess scalability and robustness of processes.
• Use statistical tools to identify, analyze, and interpret patterns and trends in complex data sets for the diagnosis and prediction.
• Involving in Crystallization studies, understand the reaction kinetics, utilization of PAT tools for example FBRM, EasyViewer, React IR, Blaze metrics, Raman data for effective process understanding and contributing to projects.
• Implementation of the expertise in simulation software such as DYNOCHEM, Visimix, gPROMS, ASPEN, CFD in data modeling and correlation of process parameters to achieve the desired outcomes in CRD batches.
• To Liaise with the team lead and contribute to R&D operations of the team.
• Ensure accuracy and compliance for the experimental work, data and reports produced within R&D. Prepare reports and presentations for internal and external use in a suitable and professional manner
• To co-ordinate work with other functions / departments to achieve project objectives.
• Support in designing and refining workflows and metrics.
• Perform data analysis and make informed decisions/recommendations around conclusions reached from data analysis and support continuous improvement.
• Keep up to date with technology advancements in pharmaceutical process engineering and chemistry literature. Be a positive advocate for new technology, application of computational tools and digital design approaches.
• Develop a strong relationship with the manager with open and effective communication and active listening (inc. sharing of plans, co-ordination of resources, alignment of priorities). Build a strong interface and network with Global engineering to support training and growth of self and team. Look for opportunities to align, share and implement best practices.
• Contribute to the development of a strong scientific, process engineering, process safety, EHS and quality culture withinthe labs. Support the team in the safe and efficient running of the laboratory.

Job location: On premise IITMRP, Chennai, India
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in chemical engineering with 15+ years of experience.
or:
PhD in Chemical Engineering with 8+ years of experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Process engineering background with relevant work experience in process development in any modality (e.g. small molecules, large molecules etc) or chemical development in a related industry (fine chemicals, API manufacturing) ideally with experience conducting one or more programs of statistically-designed experimentation.
Work Location Assignment: Flexible
Pfizer is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction in which it operates.
Research and Development
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