Materials Characterization Scientist – Combination Products

Scientist – Combination Product Characterisation

Location
We are searching for the best talent for a Scientist role in Beerse, Belgium.

Purpose
The scientist will join the Advanced Materials Characterisation and Investigations (AMCI) group within Analytical Development. AMCI is an international and diverse team of scientists performing advanced analytical characterisation of pharmaceutical products and leading global analytical investigations for the commercial product portfolio and for the Discovery, Product Development & Supply (DPDS) organisation of Innovative Medicine.

This is a lab?based position in which you will specialise in the hands?on characterisation of combination products and polymer?based components. You will plan, execute, and optimise mechanical property tests—including tensile, uniaxial compression, injectability/glide force, 3?point bending, and detachment/adhesion force—using Zwick, Instron, and texture analysers. You will also perform dimensional metrology and fit/form assessments with Keyence systems and profile projectors, and apply IR spectroscopy as well as imaging techniques to elucidate polymer identity, morphology, and structure–property relationships. The focus is on generating high?quality mechanical, dimensional, and spectroscopic datasets, interpreting results, and delivering insights that drive design decisions, verification/validation, troubleshooting, and product development.

This role requires proven, hands?on experience with mechanical testing and fixture design, dimensional measurement techniques, and polymer characterisation (IR and microscopy), along with meticulous data handling and basic statistical analysis. Success depends on your ability to develop and validate methods, define test parameters and acceptance criteria, and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams so that test outcomes are accurately integrated into product and process evaluations across the combination product lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced materials characterisation experiments using mechanical testers (e.g. Zwick, Instron), imaging and spectroscopy instruments (e.g. IR, SEM and optical microscopy), ensuring high?quality sample preparation and optimal instrument operation.

• Analyse and interpret results, providing clear, data?driven insights to address product quality, structure, and performance questions.

• Maintain and calibrate equipment, ensuring operational excellence and compliance with laboratory standards.

• Participate in cross?functional meetings to present imaging findings, foster scientific exchange, and contribute to a collaborative innovation culture.

Qualifications / Requirements
Education & experience

• PhD degree (or equivalent) in Polymer and Material Sciences (preferred), Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Physics, or a related field.

• Prior practical laboratory experience and/or knowledge in mechanical properties testing (e.g. uniaxial testing, injectability, 3?point bending, detachment force).

• Prior work with combination products and medical devices is a plus.

• Prior knowledge/experience in at least one of the following advanced imaging techniques is a plus: IR/Raman Microscopy, SEM, Optical Microscopy, X?ray Computed Tomography (XCT) and/or THz imaging.

• Experience in sample preparation and instrument operation.

• Basic data analysis skills to interpret and report results accurately.

• Strong analytical and problem?solving abilities with attention to detail in experimental work.

• Good project organisation skills and clear written and oral communication abilities to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

• Collaborative mindset and ability to work in matrix teams within an international environment.

• Fluent in English (spoken and written).

Competencies

• Fast learner with scientific curiosity, self?steering, proactive, and creative.

• Open?minded, with ability to work together as one team in a global environment.

• Good written and spoken communication and presentation skills in English.

• Efficient, flexible, dynamic, results? and performance?driven.

• Sense of urgency.