Our client in Portugal is looking for a R&D Director to provide technical leadership to drive innovative pharmaceutical applications.

The R&D Director will lead and participate in cross-functional teams to develop new cannabinoid formulas and drug delivery systems and steer them towards commercialization. 

This person requires knowledge of cannabinoid science and technology and oral and topical drug delivery systems and significant prior experience in manufacturing advanced product forms in established cannabis companies. 

This position manages a cannabinoid and drug delivery R&D Team and oversees support to cross-functional partners. This role will also be responsible for identifying and recommending strategic partnerships & trade association memberships. 

Recognized as a high-level, scientific, and strategic resource, this person must have demonstrated ability to develop and champion independent ideas leading to successful project completion. They will oversee the scale-up of new products and processes from lab-scale to pilot plant to commercial mass production.

Strong knowledge of cannabinoid science and technology and oral and topical drug delivery systems and significant prior experience in manufacturing advanced product forms in established cannabis companies is required.

This is a full-time, onsite position. Relocation and Visa support will be provided for the successful candidate (if required).

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Localization of advanced US/Canadian products to the pharmaceutical EU-GMP standards (A-to-Z product development from idea to commercial production).
• Development of processes (SOPs), standards and formulations for products.
• Instructing and sourcing of EU-GMP equipment and ingredients with relevant support teams.
• Oversee and strive towards disciplined, scientific approaches in executing research projects.
• Work with starch, carbohydrates, and biopolymers from a variety of feedstocks.
• Participate in new product development, from conception to commercialization, and interact with Production, Sales, Regulatory, Marketing, and Technical Services on new and existing products.
• Work closely with plant personnel to troubleshoot manufacturing processes and assist in production support.
• Drive projects by providing project leadership and direction in fundamental, applied science, and new product development.
• Provide thought leadership on projects within and outside of area of responsibility.
• Ensure instrumental characterization and structure-function understanding are leveraged appropriately.
• Work interactively with other groups including process development, applications, and business groups.
• Use carbohydrate science expertise to proactively develop and progress ideas for new product innovations to drive future business growth through new product development and understanding customer application.
• Design experiments to promote the understanding of carbohydrate ingredients and their interaction in food and non-food applications.
• Assist in developing materials to communicate structure and function of starch ingredients both internally and externally.
• Utilize advanced scientific techniques (e.g. x-ray diffraction, DSC, imaging) to elucidate molecular interactions and functionality of starches and complex systems.
• Ensure safe working practices in research labs, pilot plants, and manufacturing facilities to meet or exceed safety goals.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage direct reports (research scientists)

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD degree or Master’s in a scientific/pharmaceutical area (FCT, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biotechnology) or engineering is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Positive attitude and motivation to pursue technical challenges.
• Target Driven Mindset, Capable of Leading Several Product Developments simultaneously.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and capable of working independently or in a collaborative setting.
• Working knowledge of statistics and the design of experiments is required.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• 15+ years of experience in Sciences with professional maturity.
• Relevant US or Canadian-based experience in Cannabis Product manufacturing.
• Experience in extracting, distillation, and formulating advanced product forms on lab scale as well as a commercial scale.
• R&D Development of New Cannabinoid Product formats.
• Ability to communicate, verbal and written, with highly technical to non-technical peers.
• Basic understanding of botanical extraction and formulation chemistry.
• Experience working in pilot and production scale process development setting is highly desirable.

TRAVEL

• Limited travel may be required for technical meetings, conference and training courses.