Analytical Scientist

Location Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 82
9052 Ghent
Belgium

To support the growth of our R&D activities in Ghent, Belgium, we are looking for a curious, creative and dedicated Analytical Scientist with expertise in liquid chromatography. If you want to take part in addressing one of the greatest challenges the pharmaceutical industry is faced with today, this job opening may be for you.

About Harpago

Over 70% of small-molecule therapeutics emerging from today's drug discovery pipelines are too poorly water-soluble to enable adequate bioavailability after oral intake. This solubility problem greatly hinders the drug development process and ultimately prevents patients from accessing potentially life-saving treatments.

At Harpago, we tackle this solubility problem through rigorous formulation design and development. Based out of Ghent, Belgium, we work with emerging biopharma companies across the globe to enhance solubility and bioavailability in discovery, preclinical and early clinical projects.

Roles and responsibilities

• Plan and execute chromatographic analyses to determine the content and purity of investigational drugs contained in our formulations. Your primary tool will be UPLC-UV.
• Develop UPLC-UV methods to analyse the content and purity of investigational drugs contained in our formulations.
• Plan and execute analyses to determine the particle size (laser diffraction), crystallinity (differential scanning calorimetry, polarisation microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction) and in-vitro dissolution behaviour of our formulations.
• Work closely with the formulation development team to determine the performance and stability profile of our formulations.
• Draft analytical sections of reports.
• Troubleshoot analytical equipment failures.
• Draft SOPs for analytical equipment.
• Train junior scientific staff on analytical equipment.
• Manage the stability study portfolio.
• Assist in the day-to-day management of the lab, including stock management, equipment maintenance and waste disposal.
• Proactively flag technical or planning issues.
• Present analytical results at internal and external meetings.
• Remain up to date on relevant scientific literature.

Profile

• Master’s degree in analytical chemistry or related field.
• At least three years of industrial experience working with HPLC/UPLC for small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients.
• A passion for performing high-quality lab work.
• An appetite for solving complex problems.
• Ability to work independently.
• Experience with formulation development for poorly water-soluble drugs is preferred, but not required. We do want the successful candidate to educate oneself on this topic once on board.

Fluency in Dutch and English is required.

What we can offer as your future employer

• A varied and challenging role in an innovative start-up company with international customer portfolio.
• The ability to work creatively and independently on formulations that deliver the medicines of tomorrow.
• Development and further training opportunities for shaping and realising your career goals.
• Employment contract of unlimited duration with a competitive salary package.