Associate Director Early Stage Development (all genders)

Your role:As the Associate Director and Head of Early-Stage Drug Product Parenteral Development, you will lead talented teams, focused on formulation development, drug product process development, and analytical characterization for New Biological Entities (NBEs) and Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), supporting preclinical through early clinical phases. You will shape the strategic direction of early-stage formulation and process development for new biological entities and antibody-drug conjugates, ensuring scientific excellence and timely project execution. Your experience with complex parenteral drug products such as (lipid) nanoparticles (LNPs), liposomes or controlled-release dosage forms is a strong plus. You will foster a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, and continuous improvement, while actively driving the adoption of new technologies - including robotic automation - to accelerate development. This role requires you to manage a diverse portfolio, collaborate across functions, and represent early-stage development in internal and external partnerships. You will interface with R&D, regulatory affairs, CDMOs, and technology providers to ensure clinical trial readiness and compliance with quality standards. Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of early-stage drug product development. Who you are:You hold a Master-s degree or higher in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field (Ph.D. preferred).You bring at least 8 years of industry experience in drug product development, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership role.You have a proven track record in parenteral formulation and process development, ideally with biologics and ADCs, with focus on acceleration.You have managed cross-functional teams and external collaborations effectively.You possess hands-on experience or strategic oversight of digitalization and automation, robotic systems in formulation or analytical workflows.Your experience with complex drug delivery systems, such as nanoparticles, LNPs, or controlled-release injectables is highly desirable.You demonstrate strong leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.You are an excellent communicator who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and values digitalization and automation in pharmaceutical development.Job evaluation: Manager 3Department: HC-GM-DP2B Early Stage Parenterals development