Scientist III/Senior Scientist - (FY09-36)

Job Description:
The Scientist / Senior Scientist, Formulation Development is responsible for designing and developing phase-appropriate and commercially viable formulations for Alkermes candidate molecules.

The candidate should able to design insightful experiments, collect data, analyze and draft technical reports, identify and develop creative approaches to problems. The ideal candidate will have strong and creative scientific skills and should thrive in a cross functional team environment. Prior experience in developing formulations is a plus.

Key Duties:
The position will require a strong presence in the lab; with 50-60% of his/her time spent performing hands on experimentation. The candidate must be able to establish priorities, checkpoints, and time frames for experimental work in support of project objectives. The position will require a basic understanding of drug development and GMPs (prior experience a plus).
• Develop formulations involving a variety of dosage forms including immediate and controlled/sustained release dosage forms for oral and parentral routes of administration – using conventional, as well as novel and proprietary technologies.
• Formulation Scientist of development projects
• Represent the formulation development group on CMC teams
• Work directly with counterparts in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Analytical Development and Process Development to design and understand the formulation attributes.
• Keep the Formulation Development group and management up to date on overall progress and key challenges on the formulation effort.
• Design and execute scientifically sound and smart experiments
• Interpret, analyze, and manage data
• Write technical protocols, project proposals and reports
• Continuously gain understanding in his/her area and drug development

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:
A Ph.D in Chemistry/Material Science/Pharmaceutical Science with 0-3 years of experience. Prior experience in formulation development is a plus

Knowledge/Skills Needed:
• Strong scientific skills
• Deep understanding of molecular interactions/physical organic chemistry and/or material science. Polymer chemistry and formulation experience a plus.
• Excellent oral and written communication skill, authored peer reviewed and published scientific work
• Team player with good interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in standard software applications (MS Office, statistical software/JMP)