3rd Shift Pharmaceutical Technician

About Ardena

Ardena is a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) and Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in precision medicine development. Ardena supports pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in bringing innovative, complex molecules from discovery to market.

The Ardena Group operates from five sites across Europe and the United States, employing more than 750 professionals. Ardena European sites are located in Oss and Assen (the Netherlands), Ghent (Belgium), and Pamplona (Spain). Ardena US facility is based in Somerset, New Jersey.

Position: 3rd Shift Pharmaceutical Technician
Department: Operations
Location: Somerset, New Jersey

This cross‑functional position encompasses dispensing, milling, blending, granulation, hot melt extrusion, fluid bed coating, compression, encapsulation, and tablet coating manufacturing processes. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate records, understanding batch records, and ensuring cleanliness of the work area. The role follows standard operating procedures and collaborates with cross‑functional teams such as Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Project Management, and Production across Ardena’s European and US sites.

• Utilize dispensing systems, scales, and balances to accurately weigh, dispense, and label raw materials.
• Prepare and return partial raw material containers to the warehouse, deface and dispose of empty drums per SOPs.
• Verify the accuracy of materials delivered from the dispensing area and in‑process materials from prior unit operations.
• Operate and maintain hot melt extruders, milling, blending, granulation, compression, encapsulation, and fluid bed equipment.
• Demonstrate initiative by developing and implementing process improvements and safety measures, and actively participate in process improvement committees.
• Maintain the immediate work area clean and safe, performing room and equipment cleanings as needed.
• Complete all required training activities and GMP documentation.
• Perform room and equipment inspections and complete all pertinent documentation.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED).
• 3+ years experience in a pharmaceutical, biotech, or food manufacturing environment regulated by GMP standards.
• Specific experience in oral solid dosage manufacturing processes (milling, blending, granulation, fluid bed, hot melt extrusion, compression, capsule filling or pan coating).
• Expertise in at least three manufacturing disciplines.

• Proficient in using hand tools to assemble and disassemble machinery.
• Ability to follow instructions and procedures (SOPs, cGMPs).
• Strong safety awareness and ability to work in a safe manner.
• Legible handwriting and proficient reading and comprehension skills.
• Strong leadership, decision‑making, and troubleshooting skills.
• Mathematical and reasoning ability.
• Ability to interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule instructions.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and stoop regularly.
• Occasional lifting of 0–50 pounds.
• May need to wear a respirator for extended periods due to potent compounds.
• Use of computer monitor and requirement for near‑field vision.

• Work area in temperature and humidity controlled environment.
• Noise level moderate to high; hearing protection may be required.
• Required PPE: safety glasses, respirator, steel‑toed shoes, fall‑prevention devices as applicable.
• Must be fit‑tested per OSHA regulations and trained in plant hazardous material procedures.

• Competitive salary (optimized per role and location).
• Paid annual leave and flexible working arrangements (where applicable).
• Access to international collaborative work environment.
• Professional development and training programs.
• Meaningful work on pharmaceutical projects that advance patient health.
• Values‑driven culture guided by CARE principles:
  Communicative, Accountable, Reliable, and Excellent.