Senior Scientist, R&D, Primary Drug Packaging

West Pharmaceutical Services • Tredyffrin Township, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Scientist, Primary Drug Packaging, will be responsible for leading technical activities related to the development, evaluation, selection, and lifecycle management of primary packaging systems for pharmaceutical and drug products including biologics, vaccines, cell and gene therapies, mRNA/LNP-based products, high-value injectables, and other complex drug products. This role provides scientific and technical expertise in container closure systems, material selection, compatibility, performance testing, and regulatory support to ensure packaging solutions meet product, process, quality, and patient requirements.
The person will work cross-functionally with R&D, Analytical Services, Quality, Regulatory, Technical Customer Support, Product Development, and Commercial teams to generate scientifically sound data that supports product development, customer programs, technical investigations, and lifecycle management. The role requires a strong foundation in laboratory science, analytical testing, data interpretation, and good documentation practices.
This position is intended for an early-career professional who can independently execute defined technical workstreams, contribute to experimental design, analyze results, and communicate findings with appropriate supervision.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Packaging Science, or related scientific discipline with 4+ years of relevant experience; OR Master’s degree in a related field with 7+ years of relevant experience
• Minimum of 5 years of experience, can include time spent either in industry or graduate school
• Demonstrated experience in pharmaceutical primary packaging, parenteral packaging, container closure systems, or drug packaging development.
• Strong scientific knowledge of packaging materials, especially elastomers, polymers, glass, coatings, and component-product interactions.
• Experience designing and interpreting laboratory studies and technical evaluations.
• Strong technical writing, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

• Hands on experience with drug product characterization and material compatibility studies.
• Knowledge of container closure integrity, extractables and leachables, particulate control, sterilization compatibility, and packaging functionality testing.
• Familiarity with relevant regulatory and industry standards, such as USP, EP, FDA, EMA, ICH, and ISO expectations related to primary packaging.
• Experience in customer-facing technical roles or external collaboration.
• Knowledge of quality systems, change control, risk management, and deviation/investigation processes.
• Experience mentoring junior team members or leading technical workstreams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical evaluation and selection of primary drug packaging components, including stoppers, seals, syringes, cartridges, vials, and related elastomeric or polymer-based systems.
• Design, execute, and interpret scientific studies related to packaging functionality, compatibility, integrity, extractables/leachables considerations, product-contact performance, and stability.
• Provide subject matter expertise on container closure systems for injectable drug products, including biologics and ATMPs.
• Execute and support studies evaluating container closure integrity, sealing performance, and system robustness for injectable packaging configurations.
• Identify gaps and initiate programs for novel containment and delivery solutions for emerging drug modalities from early-stage feasibility through commercialization and lifecycle management.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to define packaging requirements based on product characteristics, processing conditions, regulatory expectations, and customer needs.
• Author and review technical reports, protocols, risk assessments, study summaries, and scientific publications.
• Evaluate material and component changes for technical impact, product suitability, and compliance risk.
• Drive continuous improvement in test methods, technical standards, scientific processes, and packaging selection strategies.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance across project teams.
• Participate in customer-facing technical discussions and represent the organization as a packaging science expert when needed.
• Maintain awareness of relevant pharmacopeial, industry, and regulatory expectations related to primary packaging and container closure systems.

Benefits

• Global Career Opportunities
• Inclusive & Collaborative Culture
• Recognition & Rewards: Performance-based bonuses, service recognition, and employee appreciation initiatives celebrate dedication and impact.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree