Executive Director, Chemical Process R&D Greater Philadelphia, PA Area

The Company is seeking an Executive Director of Chemical Process R&D to lead drug substance process strategy and development, ensuring manufacturing processes are scalable, safe, robust, and cost-effective. Responsibilities include setting synthetic route and starting-material strategies, overseeing process optimization and impurity investigations, and ensuring development supports clinical supply and future lifecycle needs. The role leads technology transfer and provides technical oversight for external manufacturing partners, including investigations, corrective actions, and process changes. The Executive Director also collaborates across analytical and engineering functions and contributes clear, regulator-ready content to chemistry, manufacturing, and controls documentation. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree or higher in chemistry or a related field; a PhD is preferred. At least 18 years of experience in process chemistry or drug substance development, including external manufacturing support, is required. Applicants should demonstrate leadership in route development, impurity strategy, process controls, and technology transfer, along with strong technical writing and cross-functional leadership skills. Experience with starting-material strategies, progression through Phase 2 development, and solid-form considerations at the drug substance and drug product interface is preferred.

Hiring Company

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals