Senior Manager, Analytical Development (Small Molecules)

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.); United States; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) match

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.) is seeking a senior analytics leader to oversee analytical activities at contract labs. The role includes method development/validation/qualification, stability testing, and providing regulatory support across development to commercialization for small molecules and peptides.

You will lead cross-functional teams, ensure compliance with GXP and regulatory guidelines, mentor staff, and drive data-driven decisions to optimize project outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in analytical science, chemistry or related field with 10 years of experience, or a PhD with 5 years in a GXP environment focused on analytical testing.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in pharmaceutical analytics and testing.
• Proven ability to prepare regulatory documents and regulatory filings (CMC sections).
• Strong written and oral communication and project leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee analytical activities at third-party labs, including method development, validation, transfer, and stability testing.
• Provide regulatory support from early development to commercial stages.
• Mentor team members and manage project timelines, budgets, and risk.
• Author technical reports and CMC sections for regulatory submissions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

GXP compliance

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Analytical Science

PhD in Analytical Science

Tools

MS Excel

Job description

Job Description

This role provides strategy and technical expertise to oversee analytical activities at third‑party laboratories, including method development/validation/qualification, stability testing, and investigational testing. The role also provides regulatory support from early phase drug development to commercial, developing analytical tools to understand key quality attributes in product and process for early to late phase synthetic small molecules, synthetic peptides, and other modalities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate cross‑functionally with analytical team members, drug substance and drug product process development colleagues, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and other departments to drive scientific excellence, resolve complex technical issues, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines while maintaining alignment with internal timelines and corporate/project goals.
• Lead analytical activities such as method development, optimization and transfer for synthetic small molecules testing and characterization at CMO or contract testing labs.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to optimize project outputs for the project teams based on holistic analysis of the analytical projects, including logistics, budgeting, method development through release testing and reporting. Monitor progress, identify potential risks, implement appropriate mitigation strategies, and ensure alignment with the strategic objectives.
• Lead the development and implementation of scientific strategies, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices in the pharmaceutical field.
• Provide analytical data to support drug substance and drug product development, including purity analysis, chiral purity, and structure elucidation using mass spectrometry.
• Manage pharmaceutical stability studies, including protocols and timelines, for investigational new drug (IND) and new drug application (NDA) activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines and industry standards.
• Author technical reports and Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) sections in regulatory documents.
• Mentor and train team members, fostering their professional growth and expertise in pharmaceutical analytical testing.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in analytical science, chemistry or related science + 10 years work experience or a Ph.D. in analytical science, chemistry or related science + 5 years work experience in a GXP environment focused on analytical laboratory testing of pharmaceuticals and related materials
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Knowledge of the drug development lifecycle, including preclinical and clinical stages, regulatory requirements, and quality standards
• Experience with MS Office, especially MS Excel
• Experience in data review
• Must exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic environment
• Possess effective project management skills
• Sound judgement, decision‑making skills, negotiation skills, and good organizational skills
• Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, focusing on process and product development, and analytical method development for drug substances and products
• Strong understanding of small molecule analysis and structure elucidation informed by knowledge of organic chemistry
• Hands on experience in method development, characterization, and analytical control strategy, especially having mass spectroscopy (MS) experience
• Proficiency in a broad spectrum of structure elucidation and physiochemical techniques including MS, UV, NMR, FTIR, etc.
• Familiarity with USP monographs and chapters, and ICH/FDA guidance documents related to analytical method transfer and validation, impurities, mutagenic impurities, etc.
• Ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams, and across various geographic locations in different time zones
• Excellent technical writing skills with attention to detail in authoring methods, specifications, technical reports, and regulatory filing documents

Competencies

• Accountability for Results — Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving — Make decisions considering the long‑term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
• Patient & Customer Centricity — Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
• Impactful Communication — Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
• Respectful Collaboration — Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
• Empowered Development — Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Company Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, company provided basic life, accidental death & dismemberment, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, a generous 401(k) match, flexible time off, paid holidays, and paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic.