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Principal Scientist Material Development

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of packaging components and delivery systems for injectable drugs and healthcare products. Working by the side of its customers from concept to patient, West creates products that promote the efficiency, reliability and safety of the world's pharmaceutical drug supply. West is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, and supports its customers from locations in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. West's 2020 sales of $2.14 billion reflect the daily use of approximately 112 million of its components and devices which are designed to improve the delivery of healthcare to patients around the world.

Location: Eschweiler, North Rhine-Westphalia, DE
Department: R&D

Job Summary
In this role the job holder will spearhead research and development initiatives within the material development team, concentrating on polymer films. A central aspect of this role involves leading a global team dedicated to the discovery, evaluation, validation, and industrialization of innovative polymer films for pharmaceutical packaging applications.

• Lead a diverse international team in the development and industrialization of novel polymer films
• Direct material development projects aimed at discovering groundbreaking materials for polymer and rubber formulations
• Initiate, define, and assess new polymers for films and coatings in alignment with long-term strategies, alongside novel materials for elastomeric rubbers, to enhance the performance of pharmaceutical primary closure components
• Serve as a subject matter expert and offer guidance to the material development team on inquiries related to coatings, films, and rubber formulations
• Engage in proactive technology scouting by crafting and executing outreach strategies to identify emerging technologies for material development activities
• Document and report project milestones using project management tools within our GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) environment
• Initiate, define, plan, execute, and interpret data from development and research projects, focusing – but not limited to – film, coating, and thermoset formulations for pharmaceutical primary closure components
• Identify, plan, and collaborate with external vendors and suppliers to establish new testing methodologies and materials

• Masters in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science with focus in Polymer Chemistry requires, a PhD or equivalent experience is preferred
• Minimum of 8 years technically leading material development projects in the field of polymer sciences, preferable for pharmaceutical components
• You have successfully led development projects in the field of polymer thin films or polymer synthesis for pharmaceutical applications
• You possess expert-level understanding in polymer analysis, synthesis, blending, and functional enhancement.
• You demonstrate strong proficiency in rubber chemistry, including compounding and detailed analysis
• You have a solid foundation and in-depth knowledge of surface chemistry and advanced coating technologies for polymer films
• You excel in technically leading both global and cross-departmental project teams with expertise
• You operate independently, requiring only guidance in intricate and challenging situations
• You foster a collaborative environment by providing leadership while effectively identifying and addressing knowledge or skill gaps within project teams as necessary
• You articulate complex concepts clearly, anticipate potential challenges, and effectively persuade others to consider alternative viewpoints
• You are experienced in delivering comprehensive written and verbal presentations to senior and executive management, showcasing a capability to convey information effectively
• Fluency in English, including both verbal and written communication skills
• Fluency in German is preferred
• Strong interpersonal and decision-making skills and the ability to effectively manage change and uncertainty
• Knowledge of applicable ISO and USP standards for drug delivery and health authority regulations, including FDA and MDR
• Proficiency in statistical methods / tools
• Experience in project management
• Understanding of guidelines for sensitivity with IP protection
• Understanding of strategic direction and contributing to strategy formation
• Ability to communicate effectively with written and oral skills, make quick decisions, interpret data, speak in front of groups, express and exchange ideas, understand direction and adhere to procedures; concise presentation skills at high-profile conferences, if needed
• Organizational skills will enable planning, prioritization and achievement of goals, especially of importance for the successful execution of related activities
• Ability to read and interpret data, information and documents
• Ability to work well with others in a variety of situations and have reliable and predictable attendance
• Capability to multitask, work under time constraints, and exercise timely decision-making, problem-solving, and prioritization
• Competence to deal with ambiguity and to make independent and sound judgments
• Analytical observation and problem-solving skills
• Travel requirement: up to 26 business days per year
• Sedentary: exerting up to 10 lbs / 4 kg of force occasionally and / or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body; sedentary work involves sitting most of the time

• Internationality – As an American company, we live a global cooperation within international structures
• Philanthropy – We value an appreciative and friendly work environment as well as flat hierarchies
• Market-appropriate remuneration – We offer an attractive, market-oriented remuneration, including company social benefits and purchasing benefits
• Social engagement – We support local aid organizations through various actions organized by our employees
• Diversity – We at West value the wide range of our employees who make up our company
• Safety – Occupational safety is our highest priority; we offer secure jobs in a sustainable industry
• Development opportunities – Our employees benefit from an extensive range of trainings as well as from a constant and targeted employee development
• Family-friendly culture – We attach great importance to reconciling private life and work; flexible working hours are a matter of course for us