Senior Pharmaceutical Excipient Characterization Specialist

Job Title: Senior Pharmaceutical Excipient Characterization Specialist

Location: United Arab Emirates (Remote)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Work Arrangement: 100% Remote — Work From Home

Level: Senior

About the Role

The Senior Pharmaceutical Excipient Characterization Specialist provides technical expertise in evaluating the physical, chemical, functional, and performance characteristics of pharmaceutical excipients used in drug product development and manufacturing. The role focuses on reviewing analytical data, assessing excipient suitability, evaluating material specifications, and supporting formulation development and pharmaceutical quality assurance. Working entirely remotely, the specialist collaborates with formulation scientists, quality control laboratories, regulatory affairs teams, and pharmaceutical manufacturers to ensure that excipient characterization activities are scientifically sound, adequately documented, and aligned with applicable quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and interpret analytical data relating to the physical, chemical, functional, and physicochemical properties of pharmaceutical excipients.
• Evaluate excipient characteristics such as particle size distribution, morphology, density, flowability, moisture content, solubility, viscosity, and thermal behaviour.
• Assess laboratory reports generated through techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and particle size analysis.
• Review excipient identification, purity, assay, impurity, and functional performance data against approved specifications.
• Assess the suitability of excipients for different pharmaceutical dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, topical products, and modified-release formulations.
• Evaluate excipient functionality in relation to binding, disintegration, lubrication, coating, stabilization, emulsification, and controlled drug release.
• Review compatibility assessment data involving active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipient combinations.
• Support interpretation of excipient stress testing and stability-related characterization findings.
• Assess material variability across suppliers, manufacturing batches, and production sites.
• Review supplier technical packages, certificates of analysis, safety documentation, and material specification records.
• Evaluate proposed excipient substitutions and changes in material grade from a technical and quality perspective.
• Identify unusual analytical trends, specification deviations, and potential risks to formulation performance.
• Coordinate remotely with laboratory teams to clarify analytical discrepancies and recommend additional investigations where necessary.
• Support the development and maintenance of excipient characterization protocols, technical review procedures, and material assessment templates.
• Prepare technical summaries, characterization reports, risk assessments, and evidence-based recommendations.
• Contribute to pharmaceutical development activities through excipient selection and material performance assessments.
• Support quality audits and regulatory documentation reviews relating to excipient qualification and control.
• Maintain traceable records of analytical reviews, supplier assessments, material changes, and technical decisions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline; a master's degree is an advantage.
• Significant experience in pharmaceutical excipient characterization, formulation development, pharmaceutical analysis, or material science.
• Strong understanding of excipient functionality, physicochemical properties, and their influence on drug product performance.
• Familiarity with pharmacopeial requirements, including relevant USP–NF, European Pharmacopoeia, and other applicable standards.
• Experience interpreting analytical techniques such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, XRD, chromatography, microscopy, and particle size analysis.
• Knowledge of excipient compatibility, stability assessment, material variability, and formulation risk evaluation.
• Understanding of pharmaceutical quality systems and relevant GMP principles.
• Familiarity with ICH guidance and regulatory expectations applicable to pharmaceutical development and material control.
• Experience reviewing certificates of analysis, technical data sheets, supplier qualification records, and material specifications.
• Ability to assess analytical deviations, investigate data inconsistencies, and formulate technically justified recommendations.
• Strong scientific writing, analytical reasoning, and technical documentation skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis, spreadsheet applications, and electronic quality or document management systems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams in a remote environment.

What We Offer

• Fully remote working arrangement within the stated UAE job location.
• Full-time senior-level technical role in pharmaceutical material characterization and quality assurance.
• Opportunities to contribute to formulation development and excipient qualification initiatives.
• Collaboration with pharmaceutical scientists, analytical laboratories, quality teams, and regulatory specialists.
• Professional development in pharmaceutical analysis, excipient science, and quality standards.

How to Apply

Submit your updated CV and a cover letter highlighting your experience in pharmaceutical excipient characterization, analytical techniques, formulation support, and pharmaceutical quality systems.

Application Subject: Application – Senior Pharmaceutical Excipient Characterization Specialist (UAE Remote)

• Important: This is a 100% remote technical review, analytical data assessment, documentation, and coordination role. Physical material sampling, sample preparation, laboratory testing, instrument operation, and equipment calibration must be performed by qualified local laboratory personnel. The specialist provides remote technical oversight and recommendations and does not replace on-site laboratory staff. Formal regulatory submissions, certifications, GMP release decisions, and regulated approvals must be completed by appropriately authorized personnel. Candidates should confirm applicable employment arrangements, residency requirements, and work authorization before accepting an offer.