Senior Research & Development Specialist

FrieslandCampina; Nijmegen; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International work environment

Learning & development

Excellent remuneration package

Job summary

DFE Pharma, Nijmegen (The Netherlands), seeks a Senior Research & Development Specialist to lead novel excipient solutions for future oral solid dosage technologies. You will guide formulation and excipient science, collaborate with academic partners, and shape the innovation roadmap at our Nijmegen center.

Based in an international, multidisciplinary environment, you will translate breakthroughs into practical solutions, mentor teams, and drive external partnerships to strengthen our technical

Qualifications

• Pharmaceutical R&D and formulation development experience.
• Experience leading complex R&D programs with cross-functional teams.
• Strong project planning and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead identification and development of innovative excipient solutions for next‑gen OSD manufacturing.
• Define innovation roadmap, evaluate emerging technologies and translate insights into solutions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external networks to develop differentiated technologies.

Skills

Independent project leadership

English fluency

Education

MSc or PhD in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology, Powder Technology, Material Science or related discipline

10+ years of relevant industrial experience in pharmaceutical R&D

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.

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.

• Vacaturelocatie (kort): Nijmegen, NLD, 6534 AT
• Contract Hours: 32-40

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).