Main Purpose of Position:

This position will perform various analytical, preformulation and formulation tasks. The primary functions of the position are centered on preformulation or biopharmaceutical R&D responsibilities and the support of various projects. The position will assist SABER based product developments (Oradur and Injection Depots with small molecules, peptides and proteins) to elucidate the roles and mechanisms of drug solubility and diffusivity in the hydrated SABER mass in situ and to customize methods by which drug solubility/diffusivity requirements are satisfied and overall drug permeability from the SABER matrices in various biological environments.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct pre-formulation studies for small molecules, peptides and proteins.
• Characterization of and physical/chemical manipulations of API and/or excipients.
• Design solubility improvement and/or reduction methods.
• Mass transfer and drug delivery design.
• Technical report writing.
• Serve as a team member in the development and/or research projects and provide CMC support to projects.

• BS, MS or equivalent in pharmaceutics or chemistry. PhD. preferred.
• Ph.D. with a minimum of 8-11 years related experience, MS with a minimum of 11-15 years related experience, BS with a minimum of 13-18 years related experience.
• Able to work on complex problems in which analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangible variables.
• Success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thoughts; expert knowledge of scientific principles and concepts.
• Understanding the chemistry and physics of small molecules, peptides and proteins.
• Understanding of preformulation and formulation of topical and transdermal R&D preferred.
• Extensive research and preformulation experience in R&D for peptides, proteins and small molecule drugs.
• Expertise in drug solubility improvement (and/or reduction).
• Expertise in drug delivery.
• Experiences in development of various dosage forms in CMC research preferred.
• Proven ability to plan and execute and manage complicate research projects.
• Proven ability to integrate results with published info and provide research direction in house.
• Research and/or development activities have major impact on projects and achievement of company goals.
• Proven track record of significant contributions to the technical and commercial success of the company or at previous affiliations.
• Proficient with various analytical methodology including HPLC, GC, SEC, CE, DSC, TGA, LCMS and etc.
• Proven ability to communicate information effectively.
• Must be flexible towards handling multiple projects and be a good team player.

Additional Requirements for Sr. Research Fellow:

• Has made major contributions toward the registration of products in the field of drug delivery.
• Holds title to commercially important inventions and has written important scientific papers and review articles in the field.
• Able to exercise independent judgment in developing methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.

Working Conditions:

• Will be required to work in the laboratory for up to 50%-75% of work time on average.
• May work with potent drug molecules and hazardous chemicals.
• Will be required to wear laboratory safety devices during working in the laboratory such as respirator or mask for potent molecules.
• Must follow all the safety rules and guidance from Durect's EH&S group.
• Will work extensively with personal computers.

DURECT Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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