Company Description
Dunbar Pharma is an Ireland-based pharmaceutical company specialising in the development and manufacture of EU-GMP-certified, plant-derived Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). Renowned for its high-purity dronabinol, Dunbar Pharma prioritises quality, traceability, and environmental sustainability through advanced process control and robust data systems. Our mission is to provide reliable cannabinoid APIs that support the creation of safe and effective medicines globally.
Role Description: Process Scientist – Level I
This is a full-time, on-site role located in Athlone for a Process Scientist. The Process Scientist will be responsible for enhancing and optimising manufacturing processes, supporting technology transfer initiatives, and conducting development activities. Daily responsibilities include performing laboratory experiments, troubleshooting production issues, ensuring adherence to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency and product quality.
This role is ideal for an early-career scientist or technically minded graduate who wants to build strong practical experience across GMP manufacturing, materials handling, process monitoring, documentation, and process improvement in a regulated pharmaceutical environment.
Overview
The Level I Process Scientist supports manufacturing, and warehousing operations. The Level I Process Scientist will contribute to production support, warehouse management, process monitoring, and report generation as part of the Manufacturing and R&D teams.
Responsibilities
Manufacturing & Process Monitoring
Assist in monitoring production processes, ensuring they adhere to SOPs, GMP requirements, and defined process parameters.
Populate and maintain batch records in real-time, ensuring accurate documentation for each stage of production.
Support production operations by staging materials and preparing work areas, ensuring that required raw materials and equipment are readily available for each process step.
Conduct routine checks on production equipment and provide feedback to senior scientists regarding any observed deviations.
Warehousing & Material Management
Manage receipt, inspection, and documentation of incoming materials, verifying compliance with GMP standards and technical specifications.
Ensure proper staging, storage, and traceability of materials, maintain accurate inventory records and ensure materials are organised according to production needs.
Track PPE supplies for manufacturing and warehouse teams, ensuring PPE stock levels are maintained and accessible.
Prepare and manage Consumable Requirement Specification (CRS) documentation, Material Requirement Specification (MRS) and support compliance and handling of controlled substances.
Documentation & Compliance
Ensure all records comply with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, and Available). Maintain precise and compliant documentation for all activities, including batch records, warehouse logs, CRS documentation, and technical reports.
Comply with all Controlled substance regulations and procedures.
Follow EHS and GMP standards in all work areas, including production, warehousing, and process development environments, to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
Support controlled substance reconciliation and assist in maintaining secure storage and disposal records under supervision.
Participate in internal audits or data integrity spot-checks to maintain inspection readiness.
Research & Development Support
Assist in compiling and recording R&D data to support process optimisation and the transition of lab-scale processes to commercial production.
Contribute to report writing and documentation for R&D projects, ensuring technical information is accurately captured and compiled for further analysis and review.
Ensure R&D spaces are well organised, tidy and clean.
Process Development & Validation Support
Assist in process development and validation activities, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation under senior scientists' guidance.
Participate in cross-departmental risk assessments, identifying potential risks for new processes and contributing to CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) initiatives.
Support senior team members in refining processes, methods and systems.
Health & Safety Compliance
Model strict adherence to H&S protocols, actively monitoring compliance with safety guidelines in all production and warehouse areas.
Responsibility for regular inspections of workspaces, ensuring the safety of materials, equipment, and facilities, including safe handling and storage of hazardous substances.
Responsible for maintaining PPE inventory, monitoring stock levels and ensuring all team members have access to the appropriate PPE required for specific tasks.
Support regular H&S audits and collaborate with EHS and Quality teams to identify potential hazards and recommend corrective actions.
Support H&S training and awareness sessions for team members on topics such as chemical handling, spill response, and emergency procedures.
Skills & Competencies
Proactive, curious, and digitally capable, with strong attention to detail.
Genuine interest in GMP manufacturing, organic chemistry, material handling, and process development.
Self-starter who uses initiative, asks thoughtful questions, learns quickly, and contributes practical improvement ideas.
Comfortable with documentation, data entry, spreadsheets, digital systems, AI tools, and technology-supported problem-solving.
Strong time management and ability to work across manufacturing, warehousing, and R&D support tasks.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to clearly report observations, issues, delays, ideas, and completed work.
Strong commitment to GMP, data integrity, safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical/Process Engineering, or another relevant scientific or technical discipline. A Master’s degree or relevant project/research experience is advantageous but not essential.
Work experience in a GMP or manufacturing setting; familiarity with warehousing, inventory management, and R&D reporting is beneficial.
Experience or third level academic exposure to GMP manufacturing, data integrity, or controlled substance handling is advantageous.
All Process Scientists are responsible for ensuring that GMP and data-integrity standards are upheld in every activity. Documentation must comply with ALCOA+ principles, and all controlled-substance materials must be handled, reconciled, and recorded in accordance with HPRA and internal security procedures.
This is a hands‑on, entry‑level technical role supporting GMP manufacturing, material control, process monitoring, documentation, and R&D/process improvement activities.
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