Biotech Process Development Scientist - Hybrid - Job Opportunity at JobContax

Dún Laoghaire, Ireland
Contract
Senior
Posted: June 12, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 55-65 per hour

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate structure with premium positioning in the biotech market, reflecting the specialized nature of aseptic manufacturing expertise
Flexible hybrid work arrangement allowing 2-3 days remote work, optimizing work-life balance while maintaining collaborative team dynamics
Minimum 12-month contract duration with extension possibilities, providing career stability and project continuity in a dynamic biotech environment
Flexible onsite scheduling aligned with team operations, demonstrating trust-based work culture and accommodation of individual preferences
Access to state-of-the-art aseptic manufacturing facility representing cutting-edge biotechnology infrastructure and learning opportunities
Exposure to rapid expansion and capital investment projects, offering visibility into strategic business growth and career advancement potential

Key Responsibilities

Lead technical innovation as drug product process development expert, driving breakthrough solutions for complex formulation challenges across vial filling, pre-filled syringe operations, lyophilization, and capping processes that directly impact product commercialization success
Spearhead critical product and process investigations with full accountability for impact assessment, positioning as key decision-maker in quality and compliance outcomes that protect company reputation and regulatory standing
Champion continuous improvement initiatives that measurably enhance process performance and operational productivity, directly contributing to bottom-line results and competitive advantage in the biotech manufacturing sector
Execute comprehensive product impact assessments for commercial process changes and deviation management, serving as the authoritative voice in change control processes that safeguard product integrity and patient safety
Drive new product introduction strategies as subject matter expert, leading recipe development, protocol execution, and technical troubleshooting that accelerates time-to-market for critical therapeutic products
Authorize and oversee critical documentation including operating procedures, electronic batch records, and product specifications, wielding significant influence over operational standards and regulatory compliance
Identify and implement transformational operational opportunities across sterile manufacturing operations, shaping the strategic direction of current and future production capabilities
Lead cross-functional risk assessment and mitigation projects directly impacting manufacturing line performance and business continuity
Conduct strategic process gap analysis and develop comprehensive closure strategies that enhance operational excellence and competitive positioning

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Masters degree in Engineering, Science or related discipline with 6 years experience in a similar role OR PhD and 3 years of directly related experience

Experience

Typically 4-6 years drug product experience in areas such as drug product formulation, vial/pre-filled syringe filling or lyophilisation

Required Skills

Drug product process development technical expertise Drug product formulation Vial filling operations Pre-filled syringe filling Lyophilization processes Vial capping operations Product and process investigations Process impact assessment Continuous improvement project leadership New product introduction (NPI) Process development in GMP environment MSAT (Manufacturing Science and Technology) Product Side Process Development Tech Transfer experience Deviation and non-confirmative experience management Process performance optimization Data trend analysis Risk assessment and mitigation Process gap analysis Cross-functional team collaboration Leadership and team building capabilities

Certifications

Lean methodology qualification (advantageous) Six Sigma methodology qualification (advantageous) EU passport or Stamp 4 visa required
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The biotechnology sector is experiencing unprecedented growth in Ireland, particularly in Dublin's biopharmaceutical corridor, driven by significant foreign direct investment and the establishment of Ireland as a global hub for biological manufacturing. This expansion is creating substantial demand for specialized process development expertise, particularly in aseptic manufacturing operations. The industry is witnessing a shift toward more complex biological therapies requiring advanced manufacturing capabilities, making process development scientists increasingly valuable. Hybrid work models have become permanently embedded in the biotech industry post-pandemic, with companies recognizing that flexible arrangements attract top talent while maintaining the collaborative requirements essential for technical roles. The 2-3 days onsite requirement reflects industry best practices that balance remote work benefits with the hands-on nature of manufacturing science roles. Regulatory pressures and quality standards in biotechnology are intensifying globally, creating heightened demand for professionals who can navigate complex GMP environments while driving innovation. Process development roles are becoming more strategic as companies seek to optimize manufacturing efficiency while maintaining the highest quality standards required for life-saving therapeutics.

Salary Evaluation

The EUR 55-65 hourly rate translates to approximately EUR 114,400-135,200 annually based on standard full-time calculations, positioning this role competitively within Ireland's biotech market. This compensation level reflects the specialized nature of aseptic manufacturing expertise and aligns with Dublin's premium biotech salary bands. The hourly structure provides flexibility and often results in higher total compensation when considering potential overtime and project-based work common in manufacturing environments.

Role Significance

Based on the collaborative structure described and typical biotech manufacturing operations, this role likely operates within a Process Development team of 8-12 professionals, with direct interaction across multiple cross-functional teams including Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, and Commercial Operations. The global functional team connectivity suggests involvement in larger organizational structures spanning multiple sites and regions.
This role represents a senior individual contributor position with significant technical authority and decision-making responsibility. The scope of work includes leading investigations, approving critical documentation, and serving as a subject matter expert across multiple product lines, indicating a role that operates at the interface between technical execution and strategic planning. The position carries substantial influence over product quality, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

Key Projects

New product introduction campaigns involving complex biological therapeutics requiring specialized aseptic processing techniques and regulatory approval pathways Manufacturing scale-up initiatives transitioning products from development to commercial production while maintaining product integrity and regulatory compliance Continuous improvement programs targeting operational excellence, cost reduction, and capacity optimization across multiple product lines Technology transfer projects integrating new manufacturing capabilities or transitioning products between facilities Regulatory compliance initiatives addressing evolving international standards and preparing for regulatory inspections

Success Factors

Deep technical mastery of aseptic manufacturing processes combined with practical troubleshooting experience that enables rapid problem resolution in high-stakes production environments. Success requires the ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable solutions that satisfy both scientific rigor and business objectives. Strong leadership and influence skills that enable effective collaboration across diverse functional teams while maintaining technical credibility. The ability to build consensus and drive decision-making in matrix organizations is critical for advancing projects and implementing changes. Regulatory acumen and GMP expertise that ensures all process development activities align with evolving compliance requirements while supporting business objectives. Success requires balancing innovation with risk management in highly regulated environments. Strategic thinking capability that connects day-to-day technical work with broader business objectives, market dynamics, and competitive positioning. The ability to anticipate future needs and develop proactive solutions distinguishes high-performing professionals in this role.

Market Demand

Demand for biotech process development scientists in Ireland is exceptionally high, driven by continued expansion of multinational pharmaceutical companies and the emergence of indigenous biotech firms. The specialized combination of process development expertise and aseptic manufacturing knowledge creates a significant talent shortage, particularly for professionals with 5+ years of relevant experience.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Aseptic manufacturing expertise represents the cornerstone capability for this role, as sterile processing knowledge directly impacts product safety, regulatory compliance, and commercial success. The specialized nature of this skill set creates significant career security and advancement opportunities within the growing biotechnology sector. Process development methodology skills are essential for driving innovation and problem-solving in complex manufacturing environments. These capabilities enable professionals to translate scientific concepts into practical manufacturing solutions that meet both technical specifications and business objectives. GMP knowledge and regulatory understanding are fundamental requirements that ensure all technical work meets the stringent compliance standards required in biotechnology manufacturing. This expertise protects both product integrity and company reputation while enabling career advancement in regulated industries. Leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills are critical for success in matrix organizations where technical professionals must influence outcomes across diverse teams without direct authority. These capabilities distinguish high-performing individual contributors and are essential for career progression into management roles.

Beneficial Skills

Lean and Six Sigma methodologies provide structured approaches to continuous improvement that align with industry trends toward operational excellence and cost optimization. These skills enhance career versatility and demonstrate commitment to systematic problem-solving approaches valued by biotechnology employers. New product introduction experience offers exposure to the complete product lifecycle from development through commercialization, providing broader business perspective and enhancing career advancement opportunities into commercial or business development roles. Technology transfer expertise becomes increasingly valuable as biotechnology companies expand globally and seek to optimize manufacturing networks. This specialized knowledge supports career opportunities in international roles and consulting positions. Data analysis and trending capabilities are becoming more important as biotechnology manufacturing becomes increasingly data-driven and companies seek to optimize processes through advanced analytics and predictive modeling approaches.

Unique Aspects

This role offers direct exposure to Ireland's most advanced aseptic manufacturing facility during a period of rapid expansion and capital investment, providing exceptional learning opportunities and visibility into cutting-edge biotechnology infrastructure development
The hybrid work arrangement with flexible onsite scheduling represents an progressive approach to biotech manufacturing roles, traditionally requiring full onsite presence, indicating an employer committed to attracting top talent through innovative work arrangements
The combination of process development expertise with commercial support responsibilities creates a unique career development opportunity bridging technical excellence with business impact, potentially accelerating career progression into management roles
Access to both local Irish operations and global functional teams provides international exposure and networking opportunities uncommon in many biotech roles, enhancing long-term career prospects and professional development

Career Growth

Career progression to management roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing professionals, while advancement to director-level positions generally requires 5-8 years of continued growth and expanding responsibility. The dynamic nature of Ireland's biotech sector often accelerates career progression for professionals who demonstrate both technical excellence and business acumen.

Potential Next Roles

Process Development Manager or Senior Manager roles overseeing larger teams and broader technical portfolios within biotechnology manufacturing organizations Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) leadership positions with expanded responsibility for technology strategy and implementation across multiple sites Technical Director or VP-level positions in smaller biotech companies where process development expertise becomes a key competitive differentiator Consulting roles with specialized biotech consulting firms serving multiple clients across various therapeutic areas and manufacturing challenges

Company Overview

JobContax

JobContax operates as a specialized technical recruitment firm with over 50 years of experience in the Irish biotechnology sector, positioning itself as the leading recruiter for biotech process scientists in Dublin and throughout Ireland. The company's longevity and specialization indicate deep industry relationships and comprehensive understanding of the technical requirements and career dynamics within Ireland's biotechnology ecosystem.

As a recruitment firm with five decades of experience specifically in technical roles, JobContax holds a well-established position in Ireland's biotech recruitment market. Their specialization in process development roles and stated leadership position suggests strong relationships with major biotechnology employers and comprehensive knowledge of salary benchmarks and career progression patterns.
JobContax's focus on Dublin and Ireland reflects the geographic concentration of biotechnology activity in the region, particularly around Dublin's established biopharmaceutical corridor. Their deep regional expertise provides significant value to both candidates and employers navigating Ireland's specialized biotech talent market.
The detailed job specification and emphasis on flexible arrangements suggests JobContax works with progressive biotech employers who prioritize work-life balance while maintaining high performance standards. The consultant-based approach with named contacts indicates a relationship-focused business model that emphasizes long-term career development rather than transactional placement.
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