Technical Services/Pharmaceutical Technology Scientist

Purdue Pharma; Wilson (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Knoa Pharma is seeking a senior scientist to manage transfer and validation of new products into production, oversee scale‑up and process development, and train production staff on new processes and equipment.

You will lead troubleshooting, reformulation efforts, and generation of validation protocols, while coordinating with engineering and production teams to ensure smooth technology transfer and product quality across the manufacturing floor.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemistry, Biology or Engineering with a minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in Pharmaceutical Product Development and/or Process Development; Master’s degree and 4 years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate scale-up batches of new products and processes including batch record prep, scheduling, raw material acquisition, supervising batch manufacture.
• Identify potential product/process improvements of existing dosage forms; present proposals to optimize formula and product flow and implement changes.
• Develop potential product/process activities for new products; present proposals to optimize formula and product flow.
• Provide technical assistance to Production to solve problems on the shop floor, including troubleshooting and potential rework procedures for failed batches.
• Evaluate and qualify alternate sources of raw materials; coordinate new equipment transfer and training for supervisors/operators.
• Coordinate protocols for process/product validation studies, including cleaning and equipment validation; prepare validation reports and data analyses.

Skills

Process development

cGMP

FDA/DEA regulations

Equipment operation

DOE

Batch manufacturing

Problem solving

Education

BS in Chemistry/ Biology/ Engineering

Master’s degree in relevant field

Tools

M.E.S. (SAP)

Job description

Join Knoa Pharma

Knoa Pharma is a public health‑driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to addressing the opioid crisis. Our focus is on expanding access to lifesaving overdose reversal medicines and affordable treatments for opioid use disorder. Owned by a not‑for‑profit foundation, everything we do is centered on improving public health, saving lives, supporting recovery, and bringing forward medicines that make a meaningful difference.

Knoa Pharma has a robust generics and branded portfolio of medicines in development to address unmet medical needs, and it supports public health initiatives to address the opioid crisis. Its public health‑minded purpose enables the company to expand access to lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medicines and affordable treatments for opioid use disorder – at no profit.

Job Summary

Primarily responsible for transfer and validation of new products/processes into production, scale‑up/manufacturing development, product transfer, and optimization. The major objective is to ensure successful new product transfer to production and proper training of production personnel in any new process and/or equipment. Key objectives include troubleshooting and reformulation of problem products, providing technical expertise and support to production quality investigations. Other key objectives include generation, execution, and reporting of products, cleaning, and equipment validation protocols. Additional objectives include new production equipment selection and evaluation, rework evaluation of rejected batches and new/existing raw material evaluation.

Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate the scale‑up batches of new products and processes including batch record preparation, scheduling, raw material acquisition, supervising batch manufacture, etc.
• Identify potential product/process improvements of existing commercial dosage forms. Present proposals to optimize formula and product flow and implement changes after management approval.
• Responsible for development of potential product/process activities for new products. Will present proposals to optimize formula and product flow.
• Provide technical assistance to Production, as needed, to solve problems as they occur on the shop floor. This responsibility includes both troubleshooting of active products on the shop floor and potential rework procedures for failed batches.
• Responsible for new equipment evaluation. Will interface with engineering and equipment manufacturers to ensure proper installation and operation of the new equipment. Will be responsible for coordination of all activities to transfer new equipment to production, including training as required for both supervisors and operators.
• Evaluate and qualify alternate sources of raw materials.
• Maintain compliance with controlled substance documentation and accountability procedures while maintaining high level to diversion and theft possibilities.
• Coordinate, develop and prepare protocols for process / product validation studies, including cleaning and equipment validation.
• Prepare validation reports, including data analysis, conclusions and recommendations.
• Coordinate the execution of validation studies with production scheduling. This may also include review and execution of protocols developed by other individuals.
• Perform other related assignments and duties as required and assigned.

Education and Experience

BS degree in Chemistry, Biology or Engineering with a minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in the fields of Pharmaceutical Product Development and/or Process Development; Master’s degree and 4 years of experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of process development methodologies, including current validation concepts, with a strong working understanding of cGMP requirements and FDA and DEA regulations.
• Demonstrated expertise in the operation and oversight of pharmaceutical production equipment, including high‑shear granulators, fluid bed processors, solution preparation systems, weighing and dispensing systems, milling and blending equipment, tablet compression machines, and encapsulators. Ability to direct batch manufacturing activities, ensure compliance with SOPs and safety standards, and provide hands‑on guidance to production operators.
• Comprehensive knowledge of pharmaceutical unit operations, particularly as they relate to solid oral dosage forms. Proven capability to apply sound scientific judgment and make timely decisions during process development, design of experiments (DOE), and batch manufacturing activities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop original, data‑driven solutions to optimize formulations and manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience coordinating and executing process scale‑up activities, recognizing that scale‑up strategies vary by product and require customized technical and operational approaches.
• Strong capability in protocol development, including selection of appropriate study designs to demonstrate process consistency and product acceptability. This requires independent research, technical originality, cross‑functional collaboration, effective use of internal resources, and strong time‑management skills.
• Proficient in the preparation of technical reports, including analysis and interpretation of data against specifications and acceptance criteria. All documentation must comply with cGMPs, FDA regulations, clinical requirements, and current validation practices. Responsible for investigating, documenting, and justifying all process deviations, discrepancies, and variations.
• Periodically, the Scientist may encounter unexpected production problems such as equipment changes/modifications, equipment malfunction/breakage, process control system disruptions, and MES (SAP) system disruptions.

Supervisory Responsibilities (if Applicable)

This position has no direct reports.

Physical and Environmental

• Perform job functions in various positions that may require sitting, stooping, balancing, kneeling, crouching, twisting, and/or reaching. While sitting for an extended period of time on a routine basis, incumbent may use the following equipment: personal computer, telephone/other voice communication devices, copier, fax, scanners, or other specialized equipment used in an office setting.
• Lift and maneuver equipment and materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Take samples which may require stretching, bending, or twisting to remove product from the equipment and/or drums.
• Perform cleaning and assembly/disassembly on equipment which may require pulling, pushing, or twisting to remove equipment shields, parts and panels. Equipment and parts could weigh up to 20 pounds.
• Must possess the ability to detect, recognize, and accurately distinguish defects such as discoloration, particulate matter, and other visual anomalies at close range (18 inches) with or without a reasonable accommodation (magnifiers, prescription glasses) that may affect product quality or patient safety.
• Ability to work a 10.5‑hour per day/4‑day work week.

Additional Information

Relocation is not offered for this position.

The Company does not sponsor or facilitate any U.S. work or training authorization for this position. All applicants must have unrestricted and independent authorization to work or participate in an internship or training program at the Company.

Minimum required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities are included in the posting. The position will be filled at the level commensurate with the successful candidate’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform, and the employee may be required to perform additional functions. Additionally, the company may revise the job description at any time.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to: actual or perceived race, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, color, age, creed, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran status and military service, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws and ordinance.