Job Description

Job Overview

Head of Analytical Research and Development. Direct supervision of the Analytical Associate Directors, plus full-time high level analytical scientists, as applicable. Responsible for organizing the workload of Analytical group personnel by coordinating with Analytical Associate Directors and Analytical project managers/leaders. Prepare and review proposals for new and existing projects and manage projects as needed. Experimental skills related to Analytical development and technologies are a must. Serve as a principal subject matter expert to the company.

Responsibilities

Works closely with the Site Head, the Senior Director of Chemical Development, the Senior Director Quality, and other site leadership to ensure successful completion of ongoing work.
Aggressive and diligent leadership and management of programs according to established and adjusted timelines.
Direct management responsibility for all Analytical resources.
Direct point of contact with customers for project-related communications and coordination.
Work closely with other R&D groups, Project Management and other staff to coordinate project progress and resource usage.
Project quoting, budgeting, invoicing, and reconciliation.
Customer interactions including project discussions and updates, customer visits, contract negotiations, and dispute negotiations.
Actively promote the results of the scientific projects within the group and to the customers.
Maintain current knowledge of state-of-the-art of chemistry, analytical chemistry, technology, and cGMP regulations. Apply this knowledge to daily problems and ongoing work activities.
Maintain current knowledge of regulations and guidances as applicable to Analytical testing and characterization of pharmaceutical products (FDA, ICH, USP, EP, JP etc.)
Work to ensure that a spirit of teamwork, cooperation, and can-do attitude always exists within the department.
Possess expert knowledge of laboratory PPE expectations.
Possess expert knowledge of Analytical Chemistry and be a knowledge resource for the company and for customers.
Project management and ensuring timelines are met
Works closely with other site management to provide long-range business planning and guidance
Thorough knowledge of and experience working under cGMP regulations
Excellent publication/patent record

Qualifications/Skills

Demonstrated leadership and project management expertise, with the ability to drive alignment and execution across complex, cross-functional initiatives
Deep technical expertise in Analytical Chemistry, with extensive application to active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in a regulated environment
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate, and build strong relationships across diverse teams and leadership levels
Strong organizational and problem-solving capabilities, with a focus on delivering results in dynamic, fast-paced environments
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to support data-driven decision-making and communication
Proven track record of exercising sound judgment and strategic decision-making in complex, ambiguous, and unprecedented situations
Demonstrated ability to operate independently while aligning to organizational priorities and achieving key business objectives
Strong commitment to talent development, including coaching, mentoring, and building high-performing teams through effective knowledge transfer
Ability to analyze complex data and insights from multiple sources to develop innovative, scalable solutions
Demonstrated capability to apply technical, functional, and industry expertise to design and execute initiatives that influence site and organizational strategy
Proven ability to anticipate challenges, plan proactively, and lead complex projects, including navigating ambiguity and driving effective resolution of critical issues

Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements

Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or a related discipline with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; alternatively, an M.S. with 15+ years or a B.S. with 20+ years of experience in pharmaceutical chemical process development
Demonstrated management experience within a pharmaceutical chemical process development or manufacturing environment
Proven expertise in quality control, regulatory compliance, scheduling, and organizational execution, with the ability to apply sound judgment and insight
Extensive experience with common analytical techniques and instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, GC, LC/GC-MS, IR)
In-depth knowledge of compendial methods (USP, EP, JP), technical application testing, and out-of-specification (OOS) investigations
Strong proficiency in developing, interpreting, and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Ability to serve as a technical expert and consultant, providing guidance across cross-functional teams

This role is primarily performed in an office setting with regular interaction in laboratory and GMP manufacturing environments. Responsibilities require prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and participation in meetings, along with occasional standing and walking between departments. The role requires visual acuity, verbal communication, and manual dexterity for reviewing data, reports, and presentations.

The position operates in a regulated pharmaceutical environment and may involve exposure to laboratory hazards, including chemicals and materials, when in controlled settings. Adherence to all safety procedures, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), is required.

Travel Requirements

This position requires occasional travel to support client engagements, site visits, audits, and collaboration across Cambrex locations. Travel is primarily domestic with occasional international travel, as required by business needs.

Cambrex is committed to providing a safe and productive work environment. All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a comprehensive pre-employment screen. The pre-employment screen may consist of several components including but not limited to a drug test, criminal record check, identity verification, reference checks, education and employment verification, and may vary based on federal, state, and local laws. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration.

All requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Cambrex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), ancestry, national origin, place of birth, age, marital status, disability/handicap, genetic information, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state, and/or local law.

Director Analytical Research and Development

About the role