Associate Scientist, Product Development

Open Book Extracts

Associate Scientist, Product Development

THE COMPANY

Headquartered in Roxboro, N.C., Open Book Extracts is a cGMP-certified manufacturer of premium plant-based cannabinoid products, aiming to be the industry's true north by delivering premium products, exceptional service, and industry-leading transparency. With control of the entire supply chain, a state-of-the-art extraction campus near North Carolina's Research Triangle, proprietary refinement and conversion methods backed by a growing IP portfolio, and a team of PhD chemists and seasoned business leaders, OBX is positioned to be the trusted partner for global brands seeking to enter the marketplace.

THE POSITION

We are seeking an experienced Associate Scientist who will be responsible for developing new products from concept to commercialization that support company growth. Position will also enhance and improve upon current products. Serves as a technical expert that supports product improvements, quality improvements, customer requests, and cost savings initiatives. Is responsible for formulation and generation of representative pilot samples for internal and external customer evaluations through the use of appropriate scale-down process models. Other duties include process optimization and product enhancement activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Formulates new finished goods products, from prototype development to commercialization, within defined company, industry, and regulatory parameters
• Performs performance physical and chemical specification testing for new products in development
• Establishes guidelines and criteria for acceptance and testing of new raw materials required for new product formulas
• Follow written Standard Operating Procedures
• Participates in team driven activities to facilitate root cause analysis and continuous improvement projects related to current production and laboratory practices
• Develops specifications for new and/or reformulated products
• Creates Project Timelines in accordance with Marketing priorities, sets milestones/critical paths and ensures on time project completion
• Operates within company's Quality Management System
• Promotes a positive can-do attitude
• Communicates effectively and consistently in writing and verbally with all levels of staff
• Collaborates in cross functional teams
• Meets deadlines
• Consistently enforces all company policies & procedures
• Evaluates & develops new technologies related to food science and/or pharmaceutical processing
• Changes existing formulations to improve product cost
• Tests formulations using assays
• Conducts stability studies on formulations
• Performs scale up for transition to manufacturing
• Writes necessary documents for manufacturing feasibility
• Evaluates technologies brought from third parties.
• Prepares product registration documentation and product chemistry packages to meet regulatory requirements
• Responsible for batch production from pilot scale to process validation
• Conduct patent searches to determine freedom to operate with a new formulation
• Performs additional special projects as assigned

EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in a related field.
• Minimum 5 years technical experience in chemical, medical, or pharmaceutical manufacturing or laboratory
• Experience with HPLC and other stability testing methods
• Proven problem solving skills and track record of successful technical accomplishments
• Strong understanding of cGMP guidelines and FDA regulations related to the food and/or pharmaceutical industry
• Proficient using MS Office or Google Suite applications.*
• Experience with FDA and/or other regulatory agency requirements

OTHER DETAILS

• This is a full-time, in person (not remote) position based out of Roxboro, NC
• Compensation commensurate with experience
• Background and reference checks required
• Occasionally and only as needed, be available to virtually meet with clients during non-traditional business hours.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Must be able to lift, carry and balance up to 50 pounds
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
• Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time (4-6 hours) with frequent kneeling and bending.
• Working in limited climate-controlled facilities and may experience extreme heat or cold
• Work with heavy fumes, strong odors, plants, airborne particles and chemicals
• Must be comfortable working with and around heavy machinery
• May experience moderately high noise levels

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Open Book Extracts is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.