Scientist II - Inhalation (Pharma)

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Laboratory Setting

Job Description

The Scientist II will support laboratory testing for client projects involving orally inhaled and nasal drug products (OINDPs), including dry powder inhalers (DPIs), pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), nasal sprays, nebulized products, and related dosage forms.

Working under the direction of experienced scientists and project leads, the successful candidate will perform routine laboratory activities in accordance with approved methods, protocols, standard operating procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements. The role is suited to an early-career scientist seeking to develop practical experience in inhalation product testing within a regulated laboratory environment.

The Scientist II will support inhalation product characterization and performance testing activities, which may include:

• Aerodynamic particle size distribution (APSD) testing
• Delivered dose and dose uniformity testing
• Spray pattern and plume geometry assessments
• Particle and droplet size measurements
• Dissolution testing
• Stability testing
• Sample preparation and routine chromatographic analysis
• In vitro bioequivalence and therapeutic equivalence studies

Under appropriate supervision and training, the candidate may use inhalation-specific equipment such as the Next Generation Impactor (NGI), Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI), Spraytec, SprayVIEW, and other related laboratory instrumentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform assigned laboratory testing in accordance with approved procedures and study requirements
• Prepare samples, standards, reagents, solutions, equipment, and laboratory documentation
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practice, data integrity, safety, and quality requirements
• Record laboratory activities and results clearly, accurately, and contemporaneously
• Complete routine calculations, data entry, and initial data processing
• Identify and report unexpected results, equipment issues, or procedural deviations to senior staff
• Support the preparation of laboratory worksheets, protocols, reports, and other technical documentation
• Assist with instrument setup, cleaning, calibration checks, and routine maintenance
• Support method development, method transfer, qualification, and validation activities as assigned
• Participate in laboratory investigations, deviations, non-conformances, and change-control activities under guidance
• Maintain an organized, safe, and compliant laboratory workspace
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across analytical, quality, project management, and other scientific teams
• Complete required technical, quality, safety, and compliance training

The role may also involve exposure to analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, UPLC, GC, ICP-MS, LC/MS, and GC/MS, together with detection techniques including UV, fluorescence, charged aerosol detection, evaporative light-scattering detection, and ion chromatography.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, pharmaceutical science, analytical science, or a related scientific discipline
• Previous laboratory experience gained through employment, an internship, placement, or academic research
• Basic knowledge of analytical chemistry and laboratory practices
• Familiarity with chromatographic techniques or analytical instrumentation is desirable
• Previous experience with inhalation products or inhalation testing is beneficial but not required
• Basic understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice and data integrity principles is preferred
• Ability to follow detailed written procedures and instructions
• Good attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation
• Strong organizational, time-management, and laboratory safety skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Willingness to learn new techniques, receive feedback, and develop technical expertise

The ideal candidate will be a motivated and dependable early-career scientist with a strong interest in pharmaceutical analysis and inhalation product testing. They will demonstrate a careful approach to laboratory work, a commitment to quality, and the ability to develop their skills through training and practical experience.