Sr. Director, Tech Transfer
Petersburg, VA
Description

As the Sr. Director of Tech Transfer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless transition of pharmaceutical products and processes from R&D to manufacturing or between manufacturing sites. This role requires strong collaboration with Manufacturing Science & Technology (MS&T), Operations, Regulatory, Quality and other cross-functional teams to drive efficient and compliant technology transfers. Additionally, you will contribute to strategic decision-making regarding product manufacturing priorities, leveraging your expertise in chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry.

Requirements

Tech Transfer Leadership:

  • Lead the planning and execution of technology transfer projects, ensuring alignment with operational and regulatory requirements.
  • Develop and manage project plans, timelines, and risk assessments to ensure successful outcomes.

Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams:

  • Partner with MS&T, Operations, Quality, and R&D to facilitate seamless communication and decision-making throughout the tech transfer process.
  • Act as a technical point of contact to address challenges and align on objectives.

Process Evaluation and Optimization:

  • Evaluate the scalability and manufacturability of processes, identifying opportunities for enhancement.
  • Apply QbD principles for determining Critical Process Parameters (CPPs), Proven Acceptable Ranges (PARs) and other parameters to determine Design Space (DS) to drive operational efficiencies.
  • Drive improvements to ensure processes meet Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and operational efficiencies.

Strategic Input on Product Manufacturing:

  • Provide technical and operational guidance to help prioritize which products to manufacture.
  • Collaborate on decisions considering technical feasibility, capacity, and business needs.

Regulatory and Quality Compliance:

  • Ensure all activities are conducted in compliance with applicable regulatory guidelines and company quality standards.
  • Support the preparation and review of regulatory filings related to tech transfer.

Team Leadership and Development:

  • Mentor and guide team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
  • Provide opportunities for professional development to build team expertise.

Experience & Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree (MS or PhD) strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with expertise in tech transfer, MS&T, or manufacturing operations.
  • In-depth knowledge of chemistry and its application in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • Proven ability to lead complex projects in a GMP environment.
  • Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA, ICH).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with both small molecule and biologics processes.
  • Familiarity with Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to work in a laboratory environment, including standing for extended periods.
  • Capability to use and handle laboratory equipment 
  • Manual dexterity for fine manipulations, such as calibrating instruments or preparing samples.
  • Frequent walking and movement between workstations, offices, and laboratory spaces.
  • Occasional bending, crouching, or reaching to access equipment or supplies.
  • Sharp vision for detailed tasks such as reading data, analyzing test results, and inspecting equipment.
  • Ability to distinguish color changes in tests and monitor digital displays on instruments.
  • Clear hearing for effective communication and responding to audible alarms from laboratory equipment.
  • Ability to work in environments with controlled exposure to chemicals, solvents, or other laboratory materials, adhering to safety protocols (e.g., wearing PPE).
  • Tolerance for wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, safety glasses, lab coats, and occasionally respirators.