Post Doc, Formulations and Analytical Chemistry

West Pharmaceutical Services • Radnor, PA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Applied Research & Clinical (ARC) team within West is responsible for driving the future of the company by developing innovative products designed to improve patient lives. This role is tasked with conducting big “R” research on behalf of the broader R&D organization and will focus on technological fields that are adjacent and transformative to West’s core products. We are seeking a highly collaborative candidate who is knowledgeable about analytical development and the characterization of small to large molecules using chromatographic analytical technologies such as HPLC, GC, and LC/MS. The successful candidate will interface internally with our scientists and engineers working on drug‑delivery and advanced‑materials programs. The role will also be expected to build external relationships with researchers and biotech companies, helping bring new technologies to the attention of the West R&D leadership. In collaborating across this wide array of stakeholders, the candidate will use the insights gained to design and execute experimental studies. These studies will inform West’s development decisions regarding research and investment in highly disruptive future technologies that may significantly change the way diseases are managed and therapies are delivered in the next 5–15 years. Suitable candidates are expected to bring deep expertise, an understanding of current developments in both research and industry, and the ability to make a significant contribution to the R&D team and the future of West. This is a fixed term position for one year with the possibility of extension.

Requirements

• PhD in analytical chemistry, life sciences, or equivalent scientific discipline.
• Experience: 3–5 years of relevant experience, including time spent in industry or during graduate studies.
• Hands‑on experience with mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography in chemical, biological, or biochemical fields, including method development for impurity characterization.
• Strong wet‑chemistry laboratory experience is essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present scientific research to audiences ranging from technical experts to non‑technical stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Strong experience in optimizing and characterizing small to large molecules using a range of analytical methods and instrumentation, including HPLC, LC‑MS, GC, SEC, and optical spectroscopy.
• A demonstrated track record of scientific publications and/or conference presentations in a relevant field of expertise.
• Understanding of regulated manufacturing environments such as aseptic processing and GMP production.
• Ability to work effectively with others in a variety of collaborative situations.
• Ability to multitask, work under time constraints, solve problems, and prioritize responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, troubleshoot, and optimize HPLC and LC/MS methods for the characterization of various materials, including small molecules, polymers, lipids, mRNA, siRNA, and related impurities.
• Develop new assays and evaluate or introduce new analytical technologies for assessing novel materials used in drug primary containers and drug‑delivery devices, including E&L testing.
• Design and execute wet‑chemistry experiments to support scientific or engineering initiatives aimed at addressing emerging challenges in drug‑delivery systems, including nanoparticle‑based approaches.
• Manage and contribute to complex research projects across multiple technologies and project formats, ranging from short‑term student internships to feasibility studies and long‑term collaborations.
• Analyze and evaluate experimental results to provide well‑reasoned strategic recommendations for internal dissemination, informing future research and development decisions at West.
• Solve complex technical challenges that arise on both internal and external projects by integrating insights from multiple sources to develop effective solutions.
• Provide subject‑matter expertise across the organization in nanomedicine, including particle‑based drug‑delivery systems for parenteral, oral, or alternative routes of administration.
• Collaborate with and gain alignment from internal stakeholders at West and external research partners, including professors and clinicians, to achieve project objectives.
• Capture project outputs in the appropriate format, including technical reports, presentation slides, research posters, invention disclosures, or other documentation as required.
• Participate as a team member on various projects within the group and perform other duties as assigned based on business needs.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree