Process Development Associate

Reference: 632389Posted: 2026-11-10Location: Thousand Oaks, CACompany: Planet Pharma GroupContact: ApplicationsEmail: View email address on click.appcast.io PR Range: 19-24/hr DOEThe RoleSeeking an enthusiastic, motivated, and team-oriented Process Development Associate at our Thousand Oaks, CA headquarters to join the Pre-Pivotal Drug Product Technologies organization. In this role, you will be a key member of the Oral and Enabling Delivery Systems group within the Drug Product Technologies (DPT) department. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing small molecule formulation experiments to support the development of oral solid dosage forms for early-stage clinical studies. Additionally, you will contribute to the creation and optimization of digital platform capabilities while supporting experimental efforts to design and optimize drug product formulations and processes for pre-clinical and clinical solid oral dosage forms.Ideal candidateThe ideal candidate has hands-on formulation laboratory experience in oral solid dosage form development, including common unit operations such as granulation, blending, tablet compression, and film coating. Experience with material characterization techniques such as DSC, XRPD, as well as solid dosage form characterization, including friability, disintegration, dissolution, density, and flowability, is highly desirable. Understanding of solubility enabling formulations, particularly amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) and lipid-based formulations, is an additional advantage. The candidate should be able to independently execute experiments, analyze formulation and process data, accurately document results and observations, and clearly communicate findings to technical and cross-functional stakeholders.The ideal candidate is proactive, adaptable, organized, and scientifically curious, with a strong desire to learn. They are comfortable working in a GMP/SOP-driven environment and can effectively balance hands-on experimental work with digital and analytical responsibilities.Ideal vs. Average Candidate??Ideal candidateThe ideal candidate has hands-on formulation laboratory experience in oral solid dosage form development, including common unit operations such as granulation, blending, tablet compression, and film coating. Experience with material characterization techniques such as DSC, XRPD, as well as solid dosage form characterization, including friability, disintegration, dissolution, density, and flowability, is highly desirable. Understanding of solubility enabling formulations, particularly amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) and lipid-based formulations, is an additional advantage. The candidate should be able to independently execute experiments, analyze formulation and process data, accurately document results and observations, and clearly communicate findings to technical and cross-functional stakeholders.The ideal candidate is proactive, adaptable, organized, and scientifically curious, with a strong desire to learn. They are comfortable working in a GMP/SOP-driven environment and can effectively balance hands-on experimental work with digital and analytical responsibilities.Average candidateAn average candidate may have laboratory experience but require some guidance in designing and executing formulation experiments, interpreting data, and applying experimental findings to formulation and process decisions. They may have some exposure to oral solid dosage form development and characterization techniques, but limited hands-on experience with these areas and with solubility-enabling formulation approaches.How will you determine the placement was successful in the first 30/60/90 days???First 30 daysSuccess in the first 30 days would mean the external worker has completed onboarding, safety and compliance training, gained familiarity with relevant SOPs, GMP expectations, documentation practices, and lab operations. They should begin building relationships with the Oral and Enabling Delivery Systems group and key cross-functional stakeholders. They should also demonstrate understanding of current project priorities, laboratory workflows, and expected documentation standards.First 60 daysBy 60 days, the worker should be contributing productively to formulation and process development experiments with appropriate guidance. They should be generating, collecting, analyzing, and documenting experimental data accurately according to guidelines. They should also begin providing useful data summaries or visualizations, participating in team discussions, and demonstrating familiarity with oral solid dosage form unit operations relevant to the team’s work.First 90 daysBy 90 days, the worker should be operating with increasing independence in planning, executing, documenting, and communicating formulation development work. They should be able to present clear experimental findings to the team, connect data to formulation or process decisions, and maintain high standards of documentation, compliance, and lab readiness.