Job description
Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate.
The Eurofins network of companies is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organisation services. It is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations. It also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.
In over 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 61,000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of 940 laboratories in 59 countries. Eurofins companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.
In 2021, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR 6.72 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.
This position is to join our innovative (PSS) programme as an employee of Eurofins. The programme places full-time analysts, technicians, scientists and technical support personnel managed by Eurofins directly at the client facility to provide long term staffing needs while maintaining the same services, expertise and cGMP compliance available at the Eurofins facility. This award-winning programme offers excellent career opportunities for people who have a proven track record in combining excellent technical ability with first class interpersonal and communication skills.
The purpose of this job within DPD Particle and Powder Characterisation is to perform analysis and produce data to support powder and particle characterisation activities.
The description of activities contained in this job description are an overview of the description of activities related to particular service areas and may vary from time to time. It may be necessary to apply skills and expertise described in this job description to other functional areas within the client business depending on business needs.
- To perform routine and non-routine analysis using traditional and modern analytical techniques, as required by the Lead Scientist or client representative.
- To perform analysis on powder samples for key physical properties, such as particle size distribution, bulk density, true density, powder flow and powder shape, using techniques such as optical microscopy, laser diffraction particle size analysis, electron microscopy, shear cell testing and compaction simulation.
- To produce data relating to this analysis in an appropriate format and timeframe as required.
- To collect and measure productivity through agreed metrics such as number of tests performed, cycle times, lab/product issues, number of hours worked per project, etc.
- Ensure that the client gets the best possible service by continually reviewing best practice in relation to both commercial and quality issues and ensuring 100% ethical work standards.
- To prepare and approve results for tests in which they have received the appropriate training and are deemed competent.
- To learn and be aware of the client’s requirements and strive to meet or exceed those requirements keeping in mind the client process end points.
- To learn to deal with client queries and contact designated personnel, with appropriate support from onsite leadership, with any relevant information or issues relating to test results or the service in general.
- To become fully familiar with and keep up to date with any technological or method revisions in their area, ensuring their training is complete and adjusting their work as required with approval from the Lead Scientist.
- To train as required, other members of staff in techniques in which the Scientist is competent.
- To keep the laboratory area clean and tidy in both ‘seen’ and ‘unseen’ areas.
- To provide cover for other members of staff as required and for taking part in the client’s weekend rota and/or overtime schedule if ever required.
- To ensure that all documentation is carried out on time, is accurate and legible and conforms to the relevant quality standards.
- To keep their training records up to date and participate in and initiate training as required by the client or directed by the Lead Scientist.
- To update any relevant documentation when requested.
- To adhere to all client standards in the areas of safety, housekeeping and quality, notifying management of any discrepancies.
- To ensure that the client’s requirements are fully met or exceeded, following appropriate training, will be flexible on occasion, to work across functional business areas where similar skills, knowledge and experience are applicable.
- To have a clear understanding of the client relationship and service goals.
- To ensure that all decisions are handled with client service in mind.
- To ensure uniformity, reproducibility and reliability in all work practices.
- Once foundational knowledge is in place start to identify any opportunities for improvement of quality and service and work with the team to implement continuous improvement.
- A degree in Chemistry or a related discipline is the minimum qualification required.
- A sound, fundamental knowledge of Chemistry is essential.
- Appropriate relevant experience of powder and particle characterisation in a development laboratory within a group organization.
- Good foundation and experience with traditional analytical techniques as well as modern instrumental equipment (eg., optical microscopy, laser diffraction particle size analysis, electron microscopy, shear cell testing, compaction simulation, etc.). Must possess basic knowledge of analysis methods and tools.
- Solid understanding of the relevant laboratory techniques.
- As relevant, has subject matter knowledge and experience of different particle surface area and surface energy analysis techniques. Understands how surface energy analysis measurements contribute to particle and drug product design and can relate measured to computational data in this area.
- As relevant, has good theoretical knowledge and experimental experience of particle and bulk powder characterisation measurement techniques. The successful applicant will have a sound understanding of the use of tools to aid formulation design and development, including compaction simulation, powder flow, particle size, particle shape, density, rheology, compact mechanical properties and porosity across a diverse range of sample types including APIs, excipients, blends, granules, multi particulates and tablets.
- As relevant, has experience in data analysis and the ability to trend would be desirable to inform formulation design, development and understanding manufacturing.
- Good understanding of requirements for working in a GLP environment.
- Ability to quickly learn new processes.
- Ability to work using fully electronic media, including MS Office.
- Ability to communicate clearly and to form strong working relationships with colleagues.
- Ability to work in a lab environment with some supervision and be capable of developing solutions to problems as part of a team.
- Willing to operate in a flexible manner and able to reuse both internal and external experiences and incorporate them into relevant improvements. Ability to switch priorities at short notice is desired.
- Good team player, organised, accurate, have strong documentation skills.
- Passionate about quality and client service.
- Good communication skills both internally and externally and avoids making mistakes that will hinder the understanding of his/her written and verbal exchanges.
Additional Information
Benefits
At Eurofins we are growing, innovating and always learning. We celebrate the achievements of our employees through annual long service awards, recognise our colleagues special life events, and we are committed to charitable causes through global fundraising activities.
As a Eurofins employee you will benefit from:
- Reward & Recognition
- Company Pension Plan
- Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 confidential support.
- Free car parking
- Worldwide career opportunities
- Everyone who joins our team also gets access to Perkbox, allowing you to save money all year round. Whether its supermarket savings or days out, the daily coffee or a summer holiday – there’s something to suit everyone’s lifestyle.
What Happens Next
Our people are the backbone of what we do, so it's incredibly important we find the right individuals to join us. As a potential new recruit you'll be invited to meet the team to give you the opportunity to see what working for Eurofins is really like and enable us to get you know your key skills and strengths.
Application Tips
It’s really helpful for our Recruitment Team if you include a full up to date CV, your current location and a contact number so we can talk to you about our exciting opportunities. Please also detail your current Right to Work status in the UK.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive please be aware that if you do not receive a response within 4 weeks of the vacancy expiry date unfortunately, on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.