R&D Technician - Non Pharma

R&D Technician Non Pharma

Virbac Animal Health is seeking a R&D Technician to join our team. The R&D Technician will support new product formulation development, process development and scale up

Qualified Candidates should possess experience in the following:

• Hands-on Equipment Skills: Set up, operate, disassemble, clean, and maintain R&D equipment (mixers, extruders, fillers).

• Quality & Investigation Processes: Lead or participate in deviations, investigations, CAPAs, and Change Control.

• Troubleshooting, Critical Thinking & Documentation: Apply strong problem-solving and critical thinking to troubleshoot equipment and process issues, interpret test results, write protocols and reports, and create or update SOPs

• Organization & Autonomy: Proactively organize, plan, and prioritize tasks independently.

Candidates at a minimum, possess an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science- Chemical Technology or equivalent with prior experience or a BS in Chemistry preferred. Experience working in a development lab or chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing facility preferred

Benefits: 13 Company paid Holidays; 5 sick days (prorated); 15 vacation days (prorated); 5 floating holidays (prorated); 6% 401k match; competitive pay and bonus opportunity; growth opportunities and hybrid schedules based on department and role within the department and much more!

Area of responsibility 1: [Preparation, manufacturing, packaging and physico chemical analysis of laboratory, feasibility, demo, clinical and submission batches]

Main activities

• 1. List the raw materials and the necessary packaging elements and supply them for laboratory-scale batches.
• 2. Ensure the monitoring of the raw materials release circuit with QC when necessary.
• 3. Accurately prepare raw materials and solutions, including quality checks and detect or assess when issues arise.
• 4. Ensure that manufacturing equipment (in GMP or non-GMP laboratories) are available and operational.
• 5. Assist with troubleshooting R&D equipment and process issues, including the evaluation of alternative choices and exercise critical thinking in selecting the best solution.
• 6. Set up, changeover, program, and operate equipment such as mixers, extruders, dryers, and pouch sealers, including disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling equipment using hand tools.
• 7. Internal technical analysis : Develop and implement the physico-chemical characterization tests (e.g. moisture analysis, texture, particle size, microscopy) by adapting if necessary, in particular by directing on new avenues calling on in-depth knowledge in process engineering (pharmaceutical, chemistry, mechanics, etc.), or if it applies : overseeing external lab analyzing, CROs scope of work (analysis request and assessment, ask for quotes and perform purchase order, handling packaging preparation and samples shipping, compile and interpret data) .
• 8. Ensure the correct repartition, labeling and possibly packaging of the dosage forms produced.
• 9. Complete batch records, compile results, Interpret test results and write and submit reports to the lead scientist on the project.
• 10. Maintain accurate records i.e. batch records and logbooks - Documenting/Recording Information.
• 11. Assist the scientist team to establish recommendations to facilitate and optimize manufacturing process development and dosage forms characterization. Leading and/or participating in the deviation/investigation process i.e SOP, Protocol.
• 12. Organize, plan, and prioritize assignments to accomplish tasks.
• 13. R&D Technicians are independently organizing their work based on the assignments they receive.

Expected results: Actively support R&D batches development, manufacturing, analysis, packaging and shipping.

Area of responsibility 2:[Facility management activities]

Main activities

• 1. Maintain the R&D Formulation laboratory in compliance with cGMPs and FDA/EMA requirements e.g. ensuring proper tags on equipment, cleanliness of equipment and laboratories, labeling of materials etc.
• 2. Ensure that laboratory resources are up to acceptable standards and work is done to follow best practices, safety standards, and documented procedures.
• 3. Follow GDP to ensure accuracy and authenticity of GMP records and documentation, including original documents, electronic data, and SOPs.
• 4. Perform waste operations according to GMP, FDA and EMA regulations.
• 5. Collaborate closely with the maintenance department to manage facilities and equipment in the formulation area.
• 6. Maintain equipment logs and track calibration and maintenance schedules. 7. Manage inventory of R&D materials (i.e. cleaning material, supplies, raw material, packaging…)
• 8. Follow written procedures and execute verbal instructions with exceptional attention to safety and quality.
• 9. Assist with instrument qualification to ensure equipment meets specifications, performs as intended, and maintains product quality i.e. Design qualification (DQ), Installation qualification (IQ), Operational qualification (OQ), and Performance qualification (PQ).
• 10. Participate in the review of relevant site procedures to ensure they reflect current practices
• 11. Suggest laboratory process improvements, training, and creation of effective SOPs/work instructions to ensure GMP compliance.
• 12. Write and revise SOPs i.e. ensuring timely periodic review, training records, and other relevant documentation based on the review findings and CAPA implementations.

Expected results: Follow cGDP/cGMP and maintain facilities and equipment in a suitable fashion.

Profile Requirements (Diploma and experience)

• 1. Associates Degree in Applied Science - Chemical Technology or equivalent with prior experience or BS in Chemistry preferred.
• 2. Experience working in a development lab or chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing facility preferred

Skills

• 1. Strong problem solving abilities and scientific mindset
• 2. Ability to safely operate small-scale industrial equipment
• 3. Knowledge of cGMP and cGDP
• 4. Strong communication and collaboration skills
• 5. Proficiency with the Google Workspace platform or equivalent
• 6. Demonstrates organizational skills in the tasks assigned, autonomous in his work