Associate Scientist II, CMC Development

As the Associate Scientist II, CMC Development at Ferring, your key responsibilities will include conducting microbial techniques, executing assays, and collecting and analyzing samples to support the advancement of cGMP manufacturing processes. You'll maintain thorough experimental documentation, assist in writing essential documents such as batch records and SOPs, and ensure general laboratory upkeep. Collaboration with Quality Control, Manufacturing, and Regulatory teams will also be a significant part of your role.

To qualify for the Associate Scientist II position at Ferring, candidates should possess a Master’s Degree in Microbiology, Bacterial Physiology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 0-3 years of experience, or a Bachelor’s Degree with 5-8 years of experience in a research laboratory. Experience in a GXP regulated environment and strong skills in data organization and technical writing are highly desired.

At Ferring, professional development is taken seriously. As an Associate Scientist II, you’ll have access to tailored learning and development opportunities that align with your career aspirations. The company promotes a culture of continuous learning and supports employees in realizing their full potential through training and mentorship, ensuring you grow both personally and professionally.

Ferring prides itself on fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. As an Associate Scientist II, you can expect to work as part of a multidisciplinary team that values open communication and teamwork. The company culture promotes inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives, empowering employees to contribute their ideas and drive impactful scientific discoveries.

The base salary range for the Associate Scientist II position at Ferring is between $67,000 to $83,000, depending on various factors including experience, skills, and location. In addition to this competitive salary, there are opportunities for annual bonuses based on individual and company performance, along with a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes your well-being.

In response to this question, it's important to highlight various microbial techniques such as culturing, microscopy, and biochemical assays that you've employed in previous roles. Discuss specific examples where you applied these techniques to achieve results, and emphasize your attention to detail and thorough data documentation practices.

Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to answer this question effectively. Share a specific project related to microbiology or pharmaceutical development, outline the challenges faced, the steps you took to address those challenges, and the successful outcome. This demonstrates your problem-solving capabilities and resilience in the lab.

Discuss your understanding of GXP regulations and how you incorporate compliance into your daily workflows. Mention specific practices like thorough documentation, adhering to protocols, and regular training to stay informed about regulatory changes. This shows your commitment to maintaining quality and compliance in all laboratory activities.

Share techniques you've found useful for fostering collaboration, such as regular communication, scheduling team meetings to discuss progress, and being open to receiving and giving feedback. Highlight an example of a successful team project where collaboration led to meaningful results, illustrating your team-oriented mindset.

Explain your organizational methods, such as using digital tools for data management or systematic labeling and filing techniques for lab notebooks. Provide examples that demonstrate how this organization improved efficiency or accuracy in experimental outcomes, reflecting your commitment to quality and detail.

Discuss the role of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in maintaining consistency and quality in laboratory tasks. Mention how having well-defined SOPs can reduce the risk of errors and enhance compliance with regulatory requirements. Providing an example of how you've contributed to writing or implementing SOPs will strengthen your response.

Reflect on your passion for science and your desire to contribute to advancements in pharmaceuticals. Explain how the intersection of microbiology and therapeutic development excites you and share personal goals for impacting patient lives through your work in CMC development at Ferring.

Provide specific examples of analytical assays you have conducted for assessing bacterial viability, such as CFU counting or viability staining. Discuss the methodologies used, challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved, highlighting your technical expertise and hands-on experience in the laboratory.

Explain your approach to task prioritization, such as creating to-do lists, setting deadlines for deliverables, and communicating with team members about timelines. Share an instance where effective prioritization enabled you to meet project goals successfully, demonstrating your organizational skills in a fast-paced environment.

Show your commitment to professional growth by discussing how you stay updated with the latest scientific advancements. Mention methods like attending conferences, participating in workshops, or engaging in online courses. Provide examples of how you've applied new knowledge to your work or improved practices in your lab.