Vice President, Research and Development

About this opportunity :

The Vice President of Research and Development provides technical and strategic leadership for analytical, process, and biopharma development functions at both Nitto Avecia,  primarily focused on the development of oligonucleotides (API and Formulation-Drug Product Development) and the latest drug delivery technologies for oligonucleotides, peptides, and mRNA. This role will also provide strategic direction to the Technology and Innovation team.

Key Responsibilities:  

• Provide scientific and technical input to assess potential business opportunities and new ventures and identify areas or equipment and capabilities the team should consider for evaluation. 
• Lead and direct the plans and activities of assigned functional area(s), ensuring safe and GMP-compliant operations which adhere to budget and schedule. 
• Participate in corporate development of methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for meeting performance objectives.
• Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational performance and drive improvements across all assigned functional areas and communicate
• progress toward meeting company goals to the leadership monthly, quarterly, and annually. 
• Ensure implementation of continued operational efficiencies with reliable schedule adherence, lower costs, and increased productivity by managing a portfolio of strategic continuous improvement projects, applying Lean and Six Sigma philosophies accordingly, and reporting progress results periodically to senior management. 
• Serve as decision-making authority for assigned functional area(s) by providing approvals on hiring and termination, performance appraisals, performance improvement plans, merit increases, and employee status changes (such as promotion or reorganization) with consideration of project load, organizational design, and budget.
• Enhance business growth by understanding customer needs and working with Business Development on RFPs, presenting department capabilities and coming up with technical solutions to secure new business with existing and new customers.  
• Participating in scientific community by attending conferences and being on external committees is vital to the company strategy of being best in class CDMO.
• Mentor, motivate, and challenge employees to develop skills and drive high performance.
• Execute management duties in accordance with company policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Oversee workplace cleanliness by implementing, managing, and monitoring the 5S method of organization.
• Promote a culture of safety and support site safety initiatives. 

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Ph.D. with 15+ years, or MS with 18+ years of relevant pharmaceutical industry experience. 
• Advanced knowledge of FDA and ICH guidelines related to drug product and drug substance development for regulatory submissions.
• Expertise in process development using QbD techniques, with knowledge of parenteral products including small molecules, oligonucleotides, proteins, LNPs, pharmaceutical polymers, emulsions, and ophthalmic formulations.
• Advanced knowledge of USP, European Pharmacopoeia, and other compendial procedures.
• Demonstrated scientific contributions through posters, presentations, patents, and regulatory submissions (FDA, EMEA, others).
• Strong interpersonal and communication and the ability to effectively present to and engage with managers, customers, and employees.

The annualized salary range for this position is $265,500.00 - $324,500.00.