Manager of R&D, and Tech Services

Harrowhealth; Ledgewood (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Harrowhealth is seeking a Manager of R&D and Tech Services in Ledgewood, New Jersey. In this role, you will lead the R&D team and manage day-to-day validation functions at our ImprimisRx 503B outsourcing facility. You'll be responsible for guiding the team, optimizing processes, and ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Candidates should possess an MS degree in Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences with 8-10 years of relevant experience, showcasing strong technical reasoning and leadership skills. The position requires strong collaboration with internal departments and the ability to streamline product development from concept to market.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of industrial experience in formulation, process development, and validation.
• Experience in ophthalmic dosage preferred.
• Experience working with contract research laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D team for end-to-end activities.
• Design experiments to identify critical quality attributes.
• Develop validation strategies compliant with FDA guidelines.

Skills

Technical and scientific reasoning

Problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Leadership skills

Attention to detail

Education

MS degree in Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences

PhD preferred

Tools

Laboratory equipment/tools knowledge

Job description

Job Summary

The Manager of R&D and Tech Services will be responsible for leading and managing day‑to‑day R&D and Validation functions at our ImprimisRx 503B outsourcing facility, providing leadership, guidance, and hands‑on direction across various activities within the department, including personnel, practices, and processes.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D team for end‑to‑end activities from development of lead formulation and process to support manufacturing and launch of new products.
• Design experiments in the laboratories, pilot plants, or manufacturing sites to identify the critical quality attributes of the process and establish appropriate process control.
• Develop and implement validation strategies for equipment, processes, cleaning, and systems in compliance with FDA and other regulatory guidelines.
• Provide leadership to the validation team for activities including but not limited to process validation, cleaning validation, equipment validation, and computer systems validation.
• Establish new manufacturing processes and/or refine existing ones to optimize processes and ensure quality, using statistical tools and proven scientific methods.
• Identify opportunities to optimize sterile/aseptic processes, reduce costs, and enhance quality across R&D and validation; implement best practices and lead initiatives to drive continuous improvement efforts.
• Foster collaboration and technical/scientific communication with internal departments such as Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to achieve project goals and timelines related to R&D and validation and improvement of product quality.
• Review technical reports and specifications, and maintain appropriate records for product and process development projects to ensure smooth process technology transfer.
• Troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing process problems—determining root cause and corrective actions using strong scientific reasoning.
• Develop process documentation and training materials to support the standardized processes and product launches.
• Effectively work with cross‑functional teams to streamline development, validation, scale‑up, and launch activities.
• Perform review and approval of method validation and method transfer protocols and reports.
• Monitor the progression of development through each phase across all projects.
• Supervise the tech transfer of all products from R&D to manufacturing for new and existing products.
• Coordinate research and development analytical activities as required.
• Provide mentorship to the staff to enhance their personal and professional growth.
• Provide adequate supervision of personnel and guidance for the team's professional development.

Qualifications & Requirements

• MS degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences; Ph.D. preferred.
• Eight to ten years of industrial experience in formulation, process development, and validation; experience in ophthalmic dosage preferred.
• Strong technical and scientific reasoning, tech transfer skills, and experience working alongside a manufacturing facility.
• Experience working with contract research laboratories in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven problem‑solving, troubleshooting, and critical thinking skills.
• Practical interpersonal skills with solid communication skills, both verbal and in writing.
• Strong quantitative skills, proven attention to detail, and practical organizational skills.
• Maintains broad knowledge of scientific principles and theories and possesses an intellectual mastery of one or more scientific areas.
• Advanced knowledge and demonstrated ability to work with and recommend various laboratory equipment/tools.
• Able to work as part of and lead multiple teams.
• Exhibits leadership skills.
• Sees broader picture, impact on multiple programs, teams, and departments.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines across a variety of projects and programs, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency.

Position Type

• On‑Site