Senior Scientist, Small Molecule Method Development and Validation

As a Senior Scientist at Eurofins, your primary responsibilities will include performing method validations, transfers, and verifications for APIs and finished pharmaceutical products. You'll be conducting various analytical procedures using techniques like HPLC, GC, and UV/Vis, while also interpreting and applying analytical protocols within a GMP environment. Managing projects, mentoring junior staff, and troubleshooting instrumentation further contribute to the diverse role.

To qualify for the Senior Scientist position at Eurofins, you should have a higher education degree in analytical chemistry or a related field. Depending on your level of education, candidates should possess varying levels of experience, such as a BS with 4+ years, MS with 2+ years, or a PhD with at least 1 year of experience in a GMP environment. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are key attributes that candidates should demonstrate.

The work environment for a Senior Scientist at Eurofins is supportive and collaborative, with an emphasis on innovation and continuous improvement. You'll be working in a GMP-regulated laboratory setting alongside a talented team to ensure quality and compliance is upheld at all times. Eurofins values a positive work culture where professionals can thrive and share knowledge, contributing to the collective success of the team.

At Eurofins, professional development is a priority. As a Senior Scientist, you will have the opportunity to train and mentor junior staff, which enhances your leadership skills. The company also encourages continuous learning through seminars, workshops, and access to the latest technologies in bio/pharmaceutical testing, ensuring you stay at the forefront of advancements in the field.

Eurofins provides an excellent benefits package for Senior Scientists, including comprehensive medical coverage, dental and vision options, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, and paid vacation and holidays. These benefits are designed to support the overall well-being and work-life balance of employees, making Eurofins an attractive employer in the bio/pharmaceutical sector.

In approaching method validation, I ensure that I follow the established protocols and guidelines. I appreciate involving a multidisciplinary team to review the necessary steps and requirements, including defining the intended use, conducting a thorough risk assessment, and documenting every phase of the validation. My experience with HPLC and other analytical methods has taught me the importance of precision, accuracy, and reproducibility throughout the process.

My experience with GMP regulations is extensive, as I've spent the last several years working in environments strictly adhering to these guidelines. I am well-versed in documenting my processes, ensuring all testing meets compliance requirements, and understanding the critical role that quality control plays in pharmaceuticals. I consistently stay updated on regulatory changes and attend training to reinforce the importance of GMP practices.

One complex analytical problem I faced involved troubleshooting an HPLC method that was producing inconsistent results. After reviewing the procedures, I conducted a systematic evaluation of the instrumentation and sample preparation. I identified a calibration issue with the pump and leveraged my connections with the vendor to resolve it quickly. Through this experience, I learned the importance of thorough troubleshooting and collaboration.

When training junior staff, I believe in hands-on learning combined with providing ample theoretical background. I create structured training sessions that focus on both practical skills in the laboratory while offering insights into the reasoning behind each procedure. I also encourage open communication, allowing them to ask questions and express their challenges, fostering a supportive learning environment.

Accurate record-keeping in my laboratory work is essential. I use electronic laboratory notebooks to ensure that every experiment, method, and observation is documented in real-time. I emphasize the importance of maintaining clear, detailed notes and regularly review older entries to reinforce best practices. Following SOPs for documentation ensures that my records are compliant with GMP and easily retrievable for audits.

Method transfer is critical for ensuring that new laboratories can handle the analytical methods I develop. My experience involves not only initial testing of the transferred methods but also establishing clear communication with receiving teams to confirm they fully understand the processes. Method transfer validates the robustness and reproducibility of analytical techniques, which ultimately impacts product quality.

The most challenging aspect of method development is ensuring that the method not only meets regulatory standards but also performs reliably across various conditions. Balancing sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility while working under tight timelines requires flexibility and creativity in problem-solving. Adapting to unforeseen variable outcomes is critical to successful method development.

To keep up with technological advancements in analytical chemistry, I regularly read industry publications, attend conferences, and participate in webinars focused on the latest techniques and devices. Networking with other professionals in the field also promotes knowledge exchange and allows me to explore emerging technologies that could improve our laboratory capabilities.

Teamwork is essential in my role as a Senior Scientist. Collaboration with colleagues allows us to pool our expertise, leading to more comprehensive solutions than any individual might achieve alone. Whether it’s discussing experimental designs or problem-solving together, effective communication and support strengthen the lab’s overall performance and innovation.

I wish to work at Eurofins due to the company's impressive reputation in bio/pharmaceutical testing and its commitment to excellence. I admire Eurofins' extensive network and collaborative culture that encourages professional growth. Contributing to a company at the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry and being part of a team dedicated to improving public health aligns perfectly with my career goals.