Research And Development Specialist

Barrington James; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Barrington James client seeks an R&D Specialist to join their cross-functional team in Amsterdam, developing and optimizing consumer health medical device formulations from concept to commercialisation.

You will work in a fast-paced lab environment, manage multiple projects, ensure quality systems compliance (ISO/GMP/GLP), and collaborate with marketing, regulatory and supply chain to bring new products to market.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years in R&D for medical devices or pharmaceuticals.
• BSc in a natural science as minimum qualification.
• Experience with ISO, GMP or GLP quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end product development from concept to commercialisation.
• Develop, evaluate and optimise formulations and manufacturing methods.
• Prepare Design History File documentation and support transfers to CMOs.
• Review products against requirements; liaise with suppliers and regulators.
• Collaborate with marketing, regulatory, quality and supply chain.

Skills

R&D experience

Analytical skills

English proficiency

Lab work

Multi-project management

Education

BSc in Natural Science

Job description

R&D Specialist – Consumer Health Medical Devices

Our client is a fast-growing, founder-led developer of Self-Care Medical Devices - one of the fastest-growing categories in consumer healthcare. They design, develop, manufacture and patent innovative, consumer-centric products that are sold internationally under their own brands and via white label to some of the biggest names in healthcare and personal care.

They're now looking for an R&D Specialist to join their close-knit, cross-functional team and play a key role in developing and optimising product formulations - from early concept through to commercialisation.

What you'll be doing:

• Drive the end-to-end product development process, from conceptualisation to commercialisation
• Develop, evaluate and optimise product formulations, including active ingredients, safety by design, substantiation and manufacturing methods
• Prepare and review documentation as part of the Design History File
• Organise and support transfers from R&D to Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs)
• Carry out review, verification and validation of new products against requirements and specifications
• Select, qualify and evaluate suppliers, consultants and contractors
• Liaise with external parties, suppliers, regulatory bodies, universities and consultants
• Work closely with marketing, regulatory, quality and supply chain to support new product development

What you'll bring:

• 1-3 years' professional experience in R&D within medical devices or pharmaceuticals
• A BSc in a Natural Science (Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacy or similar)
• Experience working within an established Quality System (ISO, GMP or GLP)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a genuine eye for detail
• Comfortable with hands‑on, physical work in a lab/production environment
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced setting
• Good written and spoken English

What's on offer:

• A genuinely flat, founder-led culture with real influence on product and R&D strategy
• Close collaboration with the founders and leadership team
• Direct exposure to global healthcare and personal care brands
• A dynamic, hands‑on environment where no two days look the same