Senior R&D Scientist Inhalation Development

Description

EVA Pharma is hiring a senior scientist for the inhalation development team. The role will be responsible for hands-on formulation development, analytical characterisation, scale-up, and process validation of generic dry powder inhaler products — including capsule-based, blister-based, reservoir-based, dual capsule/blister inhalers, and generic nebulizers.

The role requires deep technical expertise in powder engineering and inhalation science, with the ability to independently drive development activities.

Key responsibilities:

DPI formulation development

• Design and optimise DPI, MDI, and nebulizer formulations for capsule-based, blister-based, reservoir-based, and dual capsule/blister inhalers
• Develop and evaluate device-formulation compatibility across all inhalation platform types
• Apply particle engineering techniques — micronization, spray drying, powder blending — to achieve target aerodynamic profiles
• Develop generic nebulizer formulations alongside DPI programmes
• Execute feasibility, prototype, and optimisation studies with full scientific documentation

Analytical characterisation

• Perform aerodynamic characterisation using NGI and DUSA for in-process and release testing
• Apply laser diffraction and other particle sizing tools to characterise powder properties
• Execute and interpret analytical data to guide formulation decisions and device selection
• Support development and qualification of analytical methods specific to inhalation products

Scale-up & process validation

• Lead scale-up activities from lab to pilot and commercial manufacturing scale
• Define and optimise critical process parameters using QbD principles, DoE, and FMEA
• Execute process validation protocols and compile validation reports
• Identify and mitigate technical risks through the development lifecycle

Tech transfer to manufacturing

• Prepare technology transfer packages including formulation, process, and analytical documentation
• Support on-site transfer activities at manufacturing scale and resolve technical deviations
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to ensure successful handover

Bioequivalence support

• Contribute to bioequivalence protocol design for generic DPI products versus reference innovators
• Prepare formulation and device rationale sections required for BE study initiation
• Support interpretation of BE data from a formulation science perspective

Scientific guidance

• Provide day-to-day technical guidance to 1–3 junior researchers working on DPI projects
• Review experimental data, troubleshoot issues, and validate scientific conclusions
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of inhalation science, device technologies, and industry trends

Requirements

Education:

• PhD or master's degree in pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field

Overall experience:

• 8–10 years of hands-on experience in DPI development within the pharmaceutical industry

Technical skills:

• Proven formulation experience across capsule-based, blister-based, reservoir-based, and dual DPI formats
• Hands-on expertise with NGI, DUSA, and laser diffraction for aerodynamic characterisation
• Particle engineering skills: micronization, spray drying, and powder blending
• Scale-up and process validation experience for inhalation products
• Experience preparing technology transfer documentation for manufacturing handover
• Contribution to BE protocol design or study initiation for generic DPI products
• Familiarity with QbD, DoE, and FMEA-based risk management