Sr. Scientist Innovation - Small Molecules

Kerry Group•Beloit, WI

2d•Remote

About The Position

As a core member of a cross‑functional pod team—including Product Management and Strategic Marketing—you will help define and execute the strategic vision for Kerry’s Small Molecules pharma portfolio. The pod team operates with shared accountability, ensuring alignment and balanced decision‑making as you collectively shape the innovation pipeline and drive strategic execution. Reporting to the RD&A Director, you will synthesize global market, customer, and competitive insights across the small‑molecule pharmaceutical landscape to inform long‑term innovation strategy. You will collaborate closely with pod team members and global stakeholders to develop and execute a roadmap that maximizes value creation for Kerry. This role requires strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration, with regular engagement across Product Management, Business Development, Sales, Marketing, Regulatory, Operations, and Quality. You will guide the product lifecycle, support customer engagements, shape innovation pipelines, and define the technical direction for your area of expertise.

Requirements

Master’s or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
8+ years of experience in small‑molecule drug product development, formulation science, excipient technologies, process development, or related areas
Strong understanding of small‑molecule manufacturing processes (e.g., granulation, compression, coating, sterile injectables)
Proven ability to connect scientific, operational, and commercial perspectives
Excellent communication, project management, and problem‑solving skills
Experience in customer‑facing technical roles, such as formulation support, tech transfer, or process optimization
Familiarity with pharmacopeial standards (USP/EP), GMP environments, and regulatory frameworks

Nice To Haves

Background in excipients, binders, disintegrants, solubility enhancers, stabilizers, or process materials for small‑molecule drug products
Up to 15% global travel.

Responsibilities

Serve as the subject matter expert for the Small Molecules vertical, providing deep expertise in drug‑product formulation, excipients, process aids, and performance‑enabling technologies
Develop and execute the long‑term product and innovation roadmap for small‑molecule technologies and excipient platforms
Assess market trends, unmet needs, and competitive dynamics to identify innovation and growth opportunities across oral solid dose, parenteral small molecules, and emerging delivery platforms
Prioritize innovation and renovation projects in partnership with RD&A, Marketing, and Product Management
Contribute to business cases and champion new product development initiatives across small‑molecule excipients and process materials
Translate complex scientific and formulation concepts into clear value propositions and differentiators for customers
Collaborate with Marketing to develop technical content, including application notes, white papers, and scientific conference materials
Support strategic business analysis, including market assessments, pipeline modeling, and identification of M&A or partnership opportunities aligned with the Small Molecules strategy