Senior Research & Development Specialist
Key Skills
Job Description
DFE Pharma is a global leader in pharmaceutical excipient solutions. We develop, produce and supply the highest quality functional excipients for use in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries for respiratory, oral solid dose (OSD), ophthalmic and parenteral formulations. Our excipients play an essential role as fillers, binders, disintegrants, and in stabilizing active ingredients for release in a predictable and effective manner into the patient’s system. With over a century of experience and over 400+ people worldwide in over 100 countries serving over 5,000 customers, DFE Pharma is committed to supporting (bio)pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies in their journey to improve patients’ lives. We are driven by our purpose your medicines, our solutions. Moving to a healthier world. As part of our growth strategy we are investing in the next generation of excipient technologies that will shape the future of pharmaceutical oral solid dose manufacturing. To strengthen our Innovation & Technical Solutions team we are looking for an experienced, innovation-driven “Senior Research and Development Specialist” with strong scientific credibility in formulation and excipient science in our facility in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Our Nijmegen facility is our innovation and technology location servicing the whole world. We bring excipient solutions that are functional, safe, value-add and more consistent through the power of our knowledge and heritage. Vacancy description As Senior Research & Development Specialist you will lead the identification and development of innovative (novel) excipient solutions for next-generation oral solid dosage (OSD) manufacturing technologies. You will serve as one of DFE Pharma's scientific leaders in formulation and excipient science helping define our innovation roadmap, evaluate emerging technologies and transform scientific insights into successful solutions. Working at our innovation center in Nijmegen you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, academic partners and external innovation networks to develop differentiated technologies that address future pharmaceutical oral solid dose needs in line with DFE Pharma’s growth ambitions. What does success look like? Be recognized as a leading scientific subject matter expert in excipient and formulation science for novel oral solid dose manufacturing routes. Drive the development of innovative technologies that create measurable customer value. Influence DFE Pharma's long-term technology and innovation strategy. Establish strong external scientific partnerships. Translate breakthrough scientific concepts into successful solutions. Strengthen the organizations`s technical capabilities through mentorship, leadership and knowledge sharing. What we ask MSc or PhD in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology, Powder Technology, Material Science or a related discipline. At least 10 years of relevant industrial experience in pharmaceutical R&D, formulation development, excipient development or related fields. Demonstrated experience developing innovative formulation or excipient technologies for oral solid dosage applications. Strong expertise in powder functionality, material characterization, pharmaceutical development and manufacturing processes. Experience leading complex R&D programs involving cross-functional and external stakeholders. The ability to independently drive projects while effectively engaging and influencing diverse stakeholders. Strong project planning, prioritization, and time management capabilities. Fluency in English, both written and spoken. A collaborative mindset and experience working in international, multidisciplinary teams. What we offer A full-time permanent role. An international work environment. Working in a science based and solution driven team. Continuous learning and development; your development is not only good for your career; we also benefit from it. Excellent remuneration package. Short communication and short decision lines. Team details You will be part of the Innovation and Technical Solutions (ITS) team, which consists of a Product Development team and a team of Global Technical Leads. You will be based in our innovation center in Nijmegen (The Netherlands).
Core Responsibilities
Lead the identification and development of innovative excipient solutions and technologies for next-generation oral solid dosage manufacturing, while contributing scientific expertise to DFE Pharma’s innovation roadmap. Collaborate with internal teams, academic partners, and external networks, and translate scientific concepts into customer-valued solutions while strengthening organizational capabilities through mentorship and knowledge sharing.
Requirements
Requires an MSc or PhD in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology, Powder Technology, Material Science, or a related discipline, plus at least 10 years of relevant industrial experience. Candidates should have a record of developing oral solid dosage formulation or excipient technologies, strong expertise in powder functionality and pharmaceutical processes, experience leading complex R&D programs, and fluency in English.
Benefits
- Excellent Remuneration Package
- Continuous Learning And Development
- International Work Environment
About FrieslandCampina
Industry: Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Company size: 10,001+ employees
FrieslandCampina is a large international dairy company with a cooperative history dating back more than 150 years. The company processes milk into a wide range of dairy products and ingredients. Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. is fully owned by Zuivelcoöperatie FrieslandCampina U.A., with 15,000 dairy farmers in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France as members. Through the cooperative, these member dairy farmers jointly own the company. FrieslandCampina provides consumers with dairy products, such as milk, yoghurt, condensed milk, dairy-based beverages, cheese, butter, quark and cream. The dairy company supplies specific nutrition geared to meet the needs of specific consumer groups, such as children, the elderly and sportspeople. Professional customers, such as bakers, pastry chefs, chocolate confectioners, chefs and caterers can also rely on our broad product range, including creams, butter, desserts and fillings. In addition, the company supplies high-quality ingredients to international food producers and pharmaceutical companies. With over 20,000 employees (FTEs) and branches in 29 countries, our products find their way to more than 100 countries worldwide. Our company has an inclusive culture that reflects our heritage. That means people here are open, friendly, straight-forward and pragmatic. Our team players are always seeking collaborations built on trust and respect, and that spirit fuels the power of ‘We’. Our culture is about embracing the power of differences in order to grow together. It is the diversity of our people, their individual enthusiasm and collective commitment to shaping the future of dairy that makes FrieslandCampina such a special place to work. We believe that when you stay true to your nature, you will get the most out of your natural potential. If that is in your nature too. Bring your spark. Join us. Grow with us.