Senior Scientist - Raw Material Analysis & Specification Development

At cGMP Consulting, we specialize in providing expert validation, qualification, and compliance services to the life sciences industry. Our team works with clients to ensure their facilities, equipment, and processes meet regulatory standards, enabling the safe and efficient production of pharmaceuticals.
cGMP Consulting is based in Lake Forest, IL. Our main client locations are Melrose Park, IL, North Chicago, IL, Waukegan, IL and Pleasant Prairie, WI.

cGMP Consulting is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to lead technical evaluations, characterization, and qualification of raw materials used in medical devices, including polymers, elastomers, metals, coatings, and other functional materials. This individual will evaluate raw material testing specifications, review purchasing specifications, assess supplier documentation, and establish scientifically justified acceptance criteria to ensure materials meet product, quality and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate will work closely with R&D, analytical sciences, quality, procurement, supplier quality, and manufacturing teams. They will also support material qualification, change control, and investigations to ensure consistent material quality and reliable medical device manufacturing. This candidate should have a strong understanding of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and FDA regulations and guidelines.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Evaluate and develop raw material testing specifications, including test parameters, analytical methods, sampling requirements, and acceptance criteria.
• Review and optimize raw material purchasing specifications to ensure alignment with product requirements, supplier specifications, and internal quality standards.
• Analyze supplier technical data sheets, Certificates of Analysis (CoAs), safety data sheets, and other relevant technical documentation to assess material compliance.
• Characterize raw materials using appropriate analytical techniques, such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, GPC/SEC, rheology, moisture analysis, chromatography, and mechanical testing, as applicable.
• Establish scientifically justified acceptance limits based on material properties, historical data, supplier capabilities, product requirements, and risk assessments.
• Evaluate new materials, alternate grades, and supplier changes through comparative analysis and material equivalence assessments.
• Investigate material variability, out-of-specification results, contamination, and material-related manufacturing or product performance issues.
• Support raw material qualification, supplier approval, incoming inspection optimization, change control, and nonconformance investigations.
• Assess the impact of raw material properties on medical device functionality, processability, biocompatibility, sterilization compatibility, and product reliability, as applicable.
• Collaborate with R&D,analytical sciences, quality, procurement, and manufacturing teams to resolve material-related technical challenges.
• Prepare material evaluation reports, specification justifications, qualification protocols, and technical documentation in accordance with applicable quality-system requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve raw material quality, strengthen supplier controls, and optimize material testing requirements.
• Perform additional tasks or duties as assigned by management.

• M.S or M.Tech in Materials Science and Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A
  
  B.E/B.Tech degree in a relevant discipline may also be considered with suitable industry experience.
• 5-8 years of relevant experience in raw material characterization, analytical testing, material qualification, or specification development, preferably in the medical device, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or regulated manufacturing industry.
• Hands-on experience evaluating raw material testing specifications, acceptance criteria, and purchasing specifications.
• Experience reviewing supplier CoAs, technical data sheets, and material compliance documentation.
• Practical knowledge of analytical techniques for polymer, elastomer, metal, coating, or other functional material characterization.
• Experience with material equivalence assessments, supplier changes, root-cause investigations, and material-related quality issues.
• Familiarity with quality systems, change controls,…