Scientific Expert (Solid State & Particle Engineering - Ass Director)

Job Description

200+! This is the current number of programs in clinical development at Novartis. Many of these projects, which include new molecular entities as well as additional indications and different formulations for marketed products, are for medicines that could significantly advance treatment standards for patients worldwide.

As an experienced subject matter expert in solid state and particle engineering for the preparation of drug substances, you will support a New Chemical Entities project portfolio with a main focus on small molecules. As part of a Materials Science team, you will scientifically drive the selection and the characterization of the appropriate solid form as well as the development of laboratory crystallization processes for the isolation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and support the transfer of these processes to pilot and commercial manufacturing facilities.

You will also play a key role in strengthening scientific excellence at the interface between drug substance and drug product development and will bring with you an understanding of solid state analytics, particle and powder properties to support project teams operating in both early and late phase development.

In addition, you will collaborate alongside experts in the application of API finishing technologies for the preparation of drug substances and drug products as well as formulators to develop, assess and optimize the physical properties of a drug substance for subsequent use in drug product development.

Your key responsibilities will include:
• Ensure the appropriate selection, development, and characterization of solid forms of an API during early and late phase product development.
• Develop robust crystallization manufacturing processes to deliver drug substances in line with drug product needs.
• Transfer of processes to and between pilot plants and commercial facilities, both internally and externally.
• Drive discussions relating to particle and powder properties as a subject matter expert and support interpretation of appropriate analytical results.
• Drive cross-team and cross-functional knowledge exchange in the areas of API particle design and characterization (eg. finishing technologies, solid state characterization, crystallization development, powder properties) through coaching to expand the skill base relating to Materials Science.
• Be an advocate for strengthening the interface between drug substance and drug product development within the Materials Science unit, project teams and across functions.

Diversity & Inclusion / EEO

Novartis is committed to building an outstanding, inclusive work environment and diverse teams representative of the patients and communities we serve.

Minimum Requirements

Ideal requirements:
• PhD in relevant scientific field (e.g. particle technology, chemical engineering, materials science, physical chemistry)
• Minimum 3 years of successful pharmaceutical industry experience as a subject matter expert in API solid state and particle engineering, including crystallization processes in a technical development setting.
• Broad scientific and technical knowledge in appropriate analytical technologies used for API and powder characterization (e.g. x-ray powder diffraction, thermal analysis, laser light diffraction, dynamic vapor sorption, dynamic light scattering)
• Experience in the stage appropriate requirements in drug substance and drug product technical development from early to late stage development as well as transfers to commercial facilities.
• Strong communication, negotiation, presentation, technical writing, coaching skills. Desire to help associates grow in new and existing roles.
• Interdisciplinary thinking and strength in cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience in working and managing complex stakeholder environments across line functions.
• Excellent planning and work prioritization skills.
• Familiarity with GMP requirements would be advantageous.
• English (fluent) required. German desirable.

Why Novartis?

769 million lives were touched by Novartis medicines in 2020, and while we’re proud of this, we know there is so much more we could do to help improve and extend people’s lives.

We believe new insights, perspectives and ground-breaking solutions can be found at the intersection of medical science and digital innovation. That a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment inspires new ways of working.

We believe our potential can thrive and grow in an unbossed culture underpinned by integrity, curiosity and flexibility. And we can reinvent what's possible, when we collaborate with courage to aggressively and ambitiously tackle the world’s toughest medical challenges. Because the greatest risk in life, is the risk of never trying!

Imagine what you could do here at Novartis!

Join our Novartis Network: If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network