Senior R&D Scientist - Inhalation Development

Employment: Full-time EVA Pharma is hiring 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 & 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