Research Associate III - Formulation

Simtrabps; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Associate III to join their innovative team in Bloomington. This role involves managing analytical method development and formulation projects, ensuring compliance with stringent quality standards. You'll collaborate with a diverse team to innovate solutions for formulation challenges and support the development of life-changing medicines. The position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where your contributions will have a direct impact on patient health. Join a company that values growth, collaboration, and excellence in the pharmaceutical field.

Benefits

Health Plans

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Education Assistance

Onsite Amenities

Qualifications

• 7+ years of lab experience or MS/PhD in related fields.
• Expertise in freeze-drying and analytical methods.

Responsibilities

• Manage analytical method development and formulation projects.
• Train and supervise junior staff, providing technical advice.
• Ensure compliance with quality and regulatory standards.

Skills

Analytical Method Development

Formulation Development

Technical Transfer

Chromatography

Spectroscopy

Project Management

Education

BSc in Chemistry

MS/PhD in related disciplines

Tools

Microsoft Office

JDE

BPLM

Pilgrim

Trackwise

Job description

Join to apply for the Research Associate III - Formulation role at Simtra BioPharma Solutions

Simtra BioPharma Solutions (Simtra) is a world-class Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization, partnering with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to bring sterile injectable products to market. With facilities in Bloomington, Indiana, US, and Halle/Westfalen, Germany, we offer a wide range of delivery systems including pre-filled syringes, liquid/lyophilized vials, diluents for reconstitution, powder-filled vials, and sterile crystallization.

Our product types include biologics, small molecules, cytotoxics, highly potent compounds, diluents for reconstitution, and vaccines— all directly injected into patients worldwide. We emphasize quality and continuous improvement, adhering to the highest regulatory standards.

While primarily focused on cGMP manufacturing, we also support formulation and development, lyophilization optimization, regulatory support, and secondary packaging. Our teams are dedicated to helping clients scale, innovate, and deliver life-changing medicines.

Why join Team Simtra?

• Make it HAPPEN - We bring a growth mindset, develop new skills, and exceed expectations.
• Make it TOGETHER - We collaborate, respect diverse voices, and leverage strengths to solve problems.
• Make it RIGHT - We uphold high standards of excellence and fulfill commitments.
• Make it COUNT - We take pride in our work and its impact on patient health.

This role

The Research Associate III manages analytical method development, validation, transfer projects, or formulation development projects independently. Supports formulation scientists and other departments at the Bloomington facility. Reports to the Associate Director of R&D. This position is onsite in Bloomington, Indiana.

Responsibilities include:

• Planning and executing complex design and technical tasks for small and large molecules, including pre-formulation, formulation development, and tech transfer.
• Developing project proposals and schedules.
• Evaluating and adopting new technologies to meet quality and efficiency goals.
• Training and supervising junior staff, providing technical advice.
• Providing customer service, possibly managing R&D projects, scheduling meetings, and documenting outcomes.
• Supporting EMS and Quality initiatives.
• Innovating solutions for formulation and process development challenges.
• Implementing new methods and technologies.
• Ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards, including cGMP.
• Conducting technical feasibility analyses and evaluating results against project goals.

Required Qualifications:

• BSc in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, or related field.
• 7+ years laboratory experience or MS/PhD in related disciplines.
• Expertise in freeze-drying, formulation characterization, heat/mass transfer, process analytical technology, chromatography, spectroscopy, or similar analytical methods.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and enterprise software (JDE, BPLM, Pilgrim, Trackwise).

Benefits include day-one coverage, health plans, 401(k), paid time off, parental leave, education assistance, onsite amenities, and more.

This description provides the essential duties and qualifications, with the right to modify as needed. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.