ITC - Lead Technologist - Personal Care OTC Products

Function : R&D

Level/grade : Lead/Principal Technologist

Job Purpose :

To be in-charge for leading the development of a range of over the counter (OTC) products that deliver superior functional benefits in differentiated formats.The job includes shaping the PD-research program, interface with brand/marketing, manufacturing & procurement, build resource (skill base) / infrastructure & facilities, establish network and collaborations to bring in new developments in science. Provide vision for long-term research program in the domain that would deliver new concepts/products in the Pharma/OTC domain

Principal Responsibilities :

- Create a robust technology platform for the development of Pharma/OTC range of products

- Interface and provide direction to the program in terms of regulatory, safety and efficacy of products

- Establish relevant infrastructure (laboratory and people) for product development

- Build capabilities for the development of actives, establish high throughput methodologies, functional efficacy and clinical testing

- Provide leadership and manage project portfolio to ensure time bound deliverables that are aligned to the business strategy

- Interface with brand/marketing, procurement, manufacturing to enable first time right technology transfer of products into market.

- Establish external links with complementors from Academia as well as Service Providers to facilitate work carried out internally.

- Create a sound formulation development program in the areas pertaining to health, hygiene and wellness with a focus on skin, scalp and hair.

- Ensure safety of products/ingredients and lead molecules considered for delivery for Pharma/OTC products.

- Build the skill base, mentor and develop research associates and technologists in this domain.

- Documentation of work (technology transfer/ report writing / publications) and Patents / Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) generation.

Knowledge And Skill Requirements :

- Knowledge on formulation development in drug, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals

- Sound technical knowledge of pharma preparations (e.g. ointments, balms, lotions, tablets, powders etc.)

- Working knowledge of standards and regulatory aspects of ingredients and formulations

- Experience in converting product concepts from laboratory scale to manufacturing through robust technology transfer processes in line with Drugs & Cosmetics, AYUSH and Pharmacopeia practices.

- Ability to lead teams and nurture technical talent in the group.

Critical Success Factors :

- A good understanding of latest developments in formulations, processing and technology transfer in drugs and pharma domains

- A good understanding of functional delivery and efficacy of pharma actives

- Demonstration of product efficacy through accredited and validated - best in class- clinical protocols

- Ability to interact and create a network with experts in the pharma and medical fraternity

Previous Experience :

- 10 or more years of overall exposure to Pharmaceutical Research and product development with special emphasis on pharmacokinetics, Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME), pharma formulation development and processing.

- Good understanding of the actives, mode of action/biochemical pathway networks and allied application areas. Should be able to generate new product development platforms. Demonstrated scientific and technical leadership.

Qualifications : MPharm/PhD in Pharmaceutical sciences/Biopharmaceutics