Group Leader/ Principal Scientist

  • KBI Biopharma
  • Durham, North Carolina
  • Full Time

At KBI Biopharma, we are advancing science and accelerating breakthroughs. As a global leader in biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing, we empower life science companies to bring new medicines and vaccines to the world faster. Explore your potential at KBI, where innovation meets impact.

Position Summary:

The Analytical and Formulation Sciences (AFS) unit executes various analytical activities in support of internally and externally manufactured products for both non-GMP and GMP products. Activities include, but not limited to: method development, method establishment, method qualification, method validation, bridging method qualifications, method transfers, compendial method verification, reference material characterization, non-GMP Drug Substance release and stability, non-GMP Drug Product release and stability, reference material release and stability, GMP Bulk Drug Substance release and stability, GMP Drug Product release and stability, Placebo release and stability, IVSS release and stability, clinical in-use studies, preformulation studies, formulation studies, identity testing, and various ad-hoc stand alone tests.

The Group Leader/Scientist II/Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist - AFS will supervise the daily aspects within the project as well as define activities and manage meeting deliverables internally and externally. The Group Leader must follow all company policies and procedures as well as abide by the instructions described in other controlled documents (e.g., TSPs, ATMs, and forms). Additionally, the Group Leader must ensure all work conducted by the team members is in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), if applicable, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Responsibility

Provide technical support for testing, including method establishment, method qualification, method validation, bridging method qualifications, method transfers, compendial method verification, reference material characterization, non-GMP Drug Substance release and stability, non-GMP Drug Product release and stability, reference material release and stability, GMP Bulk Drug Substance release and stability, GMP Drug Product release and stability, Placebo release and stability, IVSS release and stability, clinical in-use studies, preformulation studies, formulation studies, identity testing, and various ad-hoc stand alone tests.

Review documentation (method transfer documentation for clients, method qualification documents from Analytical Development, TSPs, and internally generated protocols and reports) and plan for executions. Devise plan for members of the project team to accomplish goals.

Support product development efforts in the process, formulations, and analytical development areas. Conceptualize and propose process development, formulations development, and analytical development strategies based on biopharmaceutical data.

Responsible for analytical project team leader duties of development, clinical, and/or commercial programs, including, but not limited to, coordination of intra-team and inter-team efforts; acting as spokesperson, interacting positively and productively with clients; advising upper management on program status

Responsible for producing high quality documentation, client reports, etc., suitable for publication and regulatory requirements.

Maintain broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theory; provides technical leadership in the group; serves as in-house advisor on key scientific discipline areas; develop/maintain a current understanding of cGMP and other regulatory requirements.

Responsible for the management and professional development of lower-level Scientists, Associates, and In-Process Support members; orient new employees as to the organization and department policies, and what is expected of them. Review their position responsibilities with them. Communicate and administer procedures for the area in accordance with approved policies.

Participate in organization, supply maintenance, and recordkeeping duties as needed to support the laboratory

Periodically analyze the workload and the staffing needs of the department; recommend increases or decreases to staff; prepare position documentation for new and/or modified positions; identify and define qualifications required for new and/or modified positions; interview candidates for opening and make hiring recommendations.

Adheres to all safety requirements and assures that team employees do the same

Requirements:

Minimum of PhD and 3+ years directly related experience; or M.S. and 7+ years of related experience; or B.S. and 10+ years' experience; prior experience must include management experience. The Group Leader/Scientist II/Senior Scientist/Principal Scientist - AFS titles reflect increased experience as the title increase in series.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Must be organized and able to focus in a fast-paced, multi-tasked environment, and maintain operational efficiency and positive demeanor. Must be able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned. Must demonstrate leadership and the ability to collaborate and work with teams.

Must have knowledge of cGMPs and biotechnology-derived product regulations.

Salary Range: $133,000 - $183,700

Salary range provided per current averages and expectations. The salary and job title for this opening will be based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience and may be outside this range. KBI has a robust total rewards strategy which includes an annual bonus structure for all employees, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid PTO and holidays, Sabbatical program, 401K matching with 100% vesting in 60 days and employee recognition programs.

About KBI:

KBI Biopharma, Inc., a JSR Life Sciences company, is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) providing fully integrated and accelerated drug development and biologics manufacturing services to life science companies. KBI supports its 500+ customers in advancing more than 160 drug candidates from preclinical and clinical stages to market, including the manufacture of ten commercial products. Recognized for quality manufacturing, KBI delivers robust process development and cGMP manufacturing services across its six global locations in the USA and Europe. For more information, visit www.kbibiopharma.com.

KBI is a proud EEO/AA employer dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe that innovation thrives in an environment where all voices are heard and valued. That's why we actively seek individuals from all backgrounds - regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status - and strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply and bring their unique perspectives to our team.

KBI Biopharma is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace. Any employee entering a KBI site located in the US must inform KBI Biopharma of their vaccination status and must submit their vaccination status. All vaccinated employees are required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination, with a COVID-19 vaccination which has been granted FDA approval or Emergency Use Authorization.

KBI Biopharma, Inc. is an EEO/AA employer and actively seeks to diversify its work force. Therefore, all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.

I understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for KBI Biopharma, Inc. to hire me. If I am hired, I understand that either KBI Biopharma, Inc. or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of KBI Biopharma, Inc. has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

I attest with my signature below that I have given to KBI Biopharma, Inc. true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize KBI Biopharma, Inc. to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.

Job ID: 480896405
Originally Posted on: 6/12/2025

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