Head of Research and Development - Pharma Solutions

Croda; Plainsboro Township (NJ); On-site; USD 175,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

PTO

401K match

Wellness reimbursement

Parental leave

Career development

Life/AD&D insurance

Disability insurance

Paid holidays

Job summary

Croda, a FTSE100 specialty ingredients company, is seeking a Head of Pharma Solutions R&D to lead a globally focused innovation organization from Princeton, NJ. You will define the R&D strategy, build high‑performing teams, and strengthen external partnerships to translate science into differentiated products and meaningful customer outcomes.

The role requires deep expertise in lipid-based delivery, vaccine adjuvants, and cross‑functional leadership across dispersed teams, with accountability

Qualifications

• PhD or advanced degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Drug Delivery, or related field.
• Significant experience leading R&D organizations within pharma, biotech, drug delivery, vaccines, or life sciences.
• Demonstrated expertise in lipid-based drug delivery systems.
• Strong knowledge of vaccine adjuvant technologies and formulation sciences.
• Track record translating scientific innovation into commercial growth and business value.
• Experience managing innovation portfolios and cross-functional development programs.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary, geographically dispersed teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Pharma Solutions R&D strategy aligned with business growth objectives.
• Lead and develop a global R&D organization through coaching and servant leadership.
• Establish governance, decision gates, prioritization, and performance metrics for projects.
• Drive development of lipid chemistries, delivery technologies, and vaccine adjuvant platforms.
• Link lipid structure and formulation science to product performance and customer outcomes.
• Sponsor data generation supporting efficacy, stability, manufacturability, and regulatory positioning.
• Strengthen formulation services, CDMO collaborations, and development pathways from concept to commercialization.
• Build partnerships across academia, biotech, pharma, and external experts.
• Champion innovation, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Lipid delivery

Vaccine adjuvants

Portfolio management

Cross-functional leadership

Scientific leadership

Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

Head of R&D - Pharma Solutions

Croda is an FTSE100 global leader in specialty ingredients, leveraging world‑class capabilities in lipid chemistry, formulation science, excipient technologies, and process development to support pharmaceutical innovation. Our purpose, Smart Science to Improve Lives, drives us to develop high‑performance solutions that enable advanced drug delivery systems, vaccine platforms, and biologics for pharmaceutical and biotech companies around the world.

The Opportunity

As Head of Pharma Solutions R&D, you will lead a globally focused innovation organization that transforms cutting‑edge science into differentiated products, scalable solutions, and meaningful customer outcomes. You will define and execute the R&D strategy, build high‑performing teams, strengthen external partnerships, and ensure innovation investments deliver measurable business value. This role requires a leader who can connect deep scientific expertise with commercial strategy, fostering an environment of empowerment, accountability, and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Pharma Solutions R&D strategy aligned with business growth objectives.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing global R&D organization through coaching, talent development, and servant leadership.
• Establish innovation portfolio governance, decision‑gate processes, prioritization methodologies, and performance metrics.
• Drive the development of next‑generation lipid chemistries, drug delivery technologies, and vaccine adjuvant platforms.
• Ensure scientific excellence by linking lipid structure, mechanism of action, and formulation science to product performance and customer outcomes.
• Sponsor application‑data generation supporting efficacy, stability, manufacturability, regulatory positioning, and product differentiation.
• Strengthen formulation services, CDMO collaborations, and GMP‑compatible development pathways from concept through commercialization.
• Build strategic partnerships across academia, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical organizations, and external technical experts.
• Champion a culture of innovation, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• PhD or other advanced postgraduate degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Drug Delivery, or a related scientific discipline.
• Significant experience leading R&D organizations within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, drug delivery, vaccines, or related life sciences sectors.
• Demonstrated expertise in lipid‑based drug delivery systems.
• Strong knowledge of vaccine adjuvant technologies and formulation sciences.
• Track record of translating scientific innovation into commercial outcomes and business growth.
• Experience managing innovation portfolios, strategic investments, and cross‑functional development programs.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary, geographically dispersed teams.

Leadership Competencies

• Inspirational and empowering leader with a servant leadership mindset.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity, complexity, and evolving market opportunities.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision‑making capabilities.
• Passion for talent development, succession planning, and culture building.
• Results‑oriented with a strong sense of accountability and execution excellence.
• External mindset with the ability to build influential scientific and industry networks.

Why Croda?

At Croda, you’ll help deliver pharmaceutical innovations that enable life‑changing products while working alongside some of the world’s leading scientists and innovators. We offer an inclusive culture, opportunities for global collaboration, and the chance to make a lasting impact on human health through science.

Benefits

• Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, available immediately.
• Generous PTO
• 401K Match
• Wellness Reimbursement
• Parental Leave
• Career Development
• Company paid and voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short and long term disability
• Paid Holidays

Additional Information

This on‑site position is based at our corporate headquarters in Princeton, NJ. Annual Base Salary Range: $175,000 to $245,000. This range reflects the base salary the company reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, experience, education, and skill level. Additional compensation, such as annual bonuses or other incentives, may be offered based on eligibility and company policies.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Croda is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Croda recognizes employees as our strength and the diversity they bring to our workforce are directly linked to our ongoing success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs. Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veterans. This Organization Participates in E‑Verify. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process or experience any issues with our online application process, please email [e-mail].