Jr. Product Developer, R&D

About the Role:

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Jr. R&D Product Developer to join our innovative R&D team. As a Junior R&D Product Developer, you will play a crucial role in supporting our innovation pipeline, with technical guidance from the R&D Manager and will plan and execute projects with minimal supervision. In this role, you will also support benchtop sample evaluation through descriptive panels, and interact with cross-functional peers to gather feedback that will drive product development forward for on-time, successful product launches. 

Location: This role will be based in Gilbert, AZ

You Will:

• Responsible for independently executing benchtop development work using compounding equipment and compounding procedures, with guidance from the R&D Manager and R&D Sr. Manager to deliver consistent, high-quality products that support business objectives and revenue-generating new product launches
• Independently plan and execute benchtop formulation work, analyze test results and effectively translate these into effective next steps that lead to project successes
• Document experimental procedures, results, and observations accurately and comprehensively in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems.
• Contribute to scoping of new ideas or technical solutions that improve R&D efficiencies and scale up processes. 
• Consistently communicate project updates and support the creation of detailed reports and compounding records
• Support potency testing and formula troubleshooting through data collection and analysis across all formats - tablets, topicals, gummies etc in collaboration with 3rd party labs and technical support partners. Some examples include:
• Submission and tracking of testing results from 3rd party testing labs
• Uploading of testing documents to internal drives to aid in the creation of tech transfer packets for production runs
• Analysis of tablet powder blends to calculate bulk and tapped density to determine powder blend characterization
• Benchtop compaction studies to support the successful scale-up of formulas from benchtop to production
• Support the R&D experimental feedback process through sample distribution, and sample feedback collection for all Rx development programs with cross-functional partners
• Work closely with sourcing and pharmacy inventory lead to ensure that raw materials are in stock for R&D benchtop and scale-up work
• Provide support as needed to additional R&D Technicians on tablet and liquid compounding via benchtop and R&D scale-up batches
• Operate hand press, R&D scale rotary tablet press, and necessary lab equipment for topical batching
• Support scale-up batches for liquids, tableting, and any other new product forms
• Support the buildout and compounding technology transfer from AZ to Ohio R&D lab
• Maintain, evaluate and track the secondary sources of materials for existing production materials
• Maintain the experiment logbook and organize the R&D lab as needed

What you Bring

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Cosmetic Chemistry or related fields
• Pharmacy technician licensure in AZ required  
• A minimum of 1-2 years hands-on experience in an R&D setting 
• Regulatory background is a plus
• Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills
• Ability to stay cool and calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Must be able to wear PPE including PAPR

Our Benefits (there are more but here are some highlights):

• Competitive salary & comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental & vision

Conditions of Employment: 

• This position will require working with Hazardous Drugs (HD) and would require that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) be worn for the length of working with these drugs. These items would include gloves, respiratory protection, gown and other items as required.
• This position requires medical approval to wear respiratory protection in the form of negative or positive pressure respirators, including N95, full face respirator, SCBA, or Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR).
• Physical exertion required. Including, but not limited to, walking up to 50% of the time, standing up to 100% of the time, squatting and bending up to 20% of the time and lifting up to 80% of the time for up to a twelve hour shift. Must be able to lift up to 50lbs.
• Due to the risk of reproductive capability in handling or compounding certain Hazardous Drugs (HD) associates must be willing to confirm that they understand the potential risks (teratogenicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive effects) of handling hazardous drugs.