Pfizer jobs - Formulation and process design Process Modeller

Description ROLE SUMMARY

The drug-product process-modeling team in Drug Product Design (DPD) has a mandate to develop digital tools and computational models to support the development of high quality drug-dosage forms (tablets, capsules, multiparticulate beads, ointments/creams, etc.) using batch and continuous processes. This team is seeking a (postgraduate level) expert process modeler to develop new computational tools and system level models to support continuous manufacturing. The successful candidate will use modeling and simulation techniques to solve pharmaceutical industrial research problems related to continuous manufacturing with special emphasis on modeling and control of unit operations involving powder flows, mixing, processing and compaction.

Experience with computational techniques is required, such as:

process models and flowsheets, statistical techniques, population-balance models (PBM),discrete element method (DEM),computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and engineering models. Applicants must have a post-graduate qualification (MS or PhD) degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Control Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Physical Sciences, or related discipline with a focus on computational modeling. Close collaboration with Pfizer project scientists is essential – candidates must have excellent communication skills and be able to identify opportunities to apply modeling to develop drug products. This full-time position is based in Chennai, India.

Role Responsibilities

• Work with Pfizer project scientist to understand the challenges and needs when developing
• drug-dosage forms (tablets, capsules, ointments/creams, multiparticulate beads, etc.).
• Identify opportunities to use engineering knowledge and computational tools to help solve project challenges. Be able to work independently, with minimal supervision, to define the problem statement, then develop and execute a modeling work plan to solve the issue.
• Using a variety of computational techniques, develop predictive tools and models to support drug development/manufacturing efforts for the Pfizer portfolio. Modeling techniques include(but not necessarily limited to): process models and flowsheets (e.g., gPROMS, ASPEN),statistical techniques, discrete element method (DEM),computational fluid dynamics
• (CFD),population-balance models (PBM),and first-principles engineering models.
• Plan and execute experimental studies in collaboration with experimental experts to support/validate modeling efforts.
• Work with Pfizer scientists to apply and implement modeling tools into project workflows.
• Communicate and present results internally at meetings and, on occasion, at external forums.
• Present scientific results to a diverse audience through data analysis and visualizations.
• Support Pfizer’s key technology platforms: continuous tablet manufacturing and multiparticulates, via computational modeling.
• Work with external partners (e.g., universities, research organizations) and vendors (e.g.,software companies) to execute and deliver well-defined modeling projects.

Basic Qualifications

• Education/Experience
• Post-graduate qualification (MS or PhD) in relevant field e.g. chemical, mechanical, pharmaceutical engineering with focus on process modelling. 
• Strong background in numerical methods, prgramming and mathematics. 
• Graduate research must be focused on computational modeling of chemical/physical processes with empahsis on system level modeling. 
• Proficiency in flowsheet modeling using simulation software like gPROMS, ASPEN or related process simulators, and simulation software like Matlab & Simulink will be very desirable. 
• Must demonstrate good problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills: ability to manage several projects simultaneously and deliver results in a timely manner. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills: work effectively as part of cross functional teams and embrace team work. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills: must be able to communicate ideas and results with colleagues with diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated trackrecord of publications, presentations, and/or patents.