Principal Scientist

At Corbion, we exist to champion preservation in all its forms, preserving food and food production, health, and our planet.

This multifaceted role requires a strong background in polymer material science and encompasses various key activities including customer driven research, polymer design by translating target product profile into polymer chemistry, technology transfer, trouble-shooting, process optimization as a basis for techno-economic and sustainability evaluation, and scale-up. We offer you the opportunity to further deepen the knowledge in synthesis and purification of bioresorbable polymers, innovate and develop polymeric materials that improve the quality-of-life of patients.

You will help shape the future direction of this discipline, alongside other core contributors and internal experts. In addition, you will lead a diverse team of polymer experts, composed of members with different levels of expertise. You will address their needs for development, engagement and support, while managing innovation project staffing through distribution and allocation of your direct reports.

**Responsibilities**:

- Drive the development of new polymer technologies in innovation projects, as project, technical or workstream lead.
- Contribute to innovation by developing new products and processes that advance the field.
- Lead the design, planning, and execution of complex research and innovation projects, from conception through to completion ensuring high technical quality standards.
- Ensure that all research activities align with organizational goals and comply with relevant regulations and procedures (GMP/GLP).
- Promote a culture of continuous learning by sharing knowledge and best practices within the team.
- Work closely and effectively with cross-functional teams of the Innovation Center.
- Demonstrate strong leadership and collaborative behavior with commitment to safety, innovation and quality.
- Manage a team of 3-6 polymer scientists and technicians, with emphasis on their health, wellbeing and engagement. In addition, support project staffing process, while having in mind the project needs, personal and competence growth within process technology roadmap.

**Requirements**:

- At least 10 years of industrial work experience, preferably in polyester-based polymer technology, with knowledge of materials and (processing) technologies used in the medical and pharmaceutical industry.
- Master's Degree, ideally in related scientific field.
- Experience in product - and process development, preferably in the medical - or pharmaceutical industry.
- Knowledge of IP-management and driving IP strategy for product and processes developed.
- Experience in scale-up - and transfer activities, including process validation.
- Experience in technical project management, in particular with driving techno-economic assessments in projects.
- Experience in working with different business functions (e.g. Quality and Operations) and championing data-driven decision making and critical thinking.
- Passion for innovation and sustainability with commitment to deliver on promises and eagerness to deliver through collaboration.
- Pro-active mindset with strong conceptual thinking skills, complemented by good analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Empathetic and caring personality, team player, preferably coupled with direct leadership experience as line manager and/or (technical) project manager.
- Ability for effective cross-functional -, cross-level communication and stakeholder management.

**About Corbion**

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