Join to apply for the Associate Director, Process Development role at Virginia Commonwealth University 23 hours ago Be among the first 25 applicants Join to apply for the Associate Director, Process Development role at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University provided pay range This range is provided by Virginia Commonwealth University. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range $140,000.00/yr - $170,000.00/yr Associate Director, Process Development Benefits of working at VCU All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here. Duties & Responsibilities Medicines for All (M4ALL), a part of Virginia Commonwealth University, is an entrepreneurial, impact-oriented institute dedicated to dramatically improving global access to lifesaving medicines. We achieve this through synthetic process innovation and advanced technology deployment to reduce costs and waste in small molecule drug substance (active pharmaceutical ingredient) production. Our API process development services support treatments for diseases such as TB, malaria, HIV, oncology, metabolic diseases, CNS, and immunology. We work in service to – and partnership with – non-profit organizations and translational research-focused companies and institutes. Job Summary We are seeking an Associate Director, Process Development to lead high-impact programs for M4ALL clients and partners, focusing on process development, route scouting, optimization, scale-up, and technology transfer. This role will drive strategic Process Development initiatives, manage multiple projects, and collaborate with internal teams and external partners to enhance efficiency and innovation. The Associate Director will mentor scientists, ensure rigorous documentation, and contribute to publications while maintaining a strong focus on safety, compliance, and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities API Process Development Project Leadership Direct and manage multiple development service projects, prioritizing resources to meet key milestones and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Act as the principal technical liaison for clients’ technical and project management stakeholders, pursuing customer success and satisfaction. Deliver timely, high-quality customer engagements through diligent project management and regular, solutions-driven communications (oral and written). Adhere to mutually established priorities and delivery timelines, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and a service mindset. Leverage extensive process chemistry expertise to deliver high-impact services spanning process research (route scouting), development (optimization), scale-up, and technology transfer. Partner with cross-functional teams, including Analytical Development, MSAT/Manufacturing, EHS, and Project Management to realize seamless collaboration and project advancement against milestones. Maintain a deep technical literacy. Ensure data-driven decision-making and process improvements based on rigorous experimentation. Oversee early-stage and product life cycle development-stage API process development, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Identify and implement cutting-edge methodologies and technologies to enhance process efficiency and innovation. Author technical sections of customer proposals, working in partnership with Commercial, Finance, and Project Management colleagues to create winning responses to client requests for proposals. Serve as a liaison between Development and business operations, ensuring that technical strategies align with financial and programmatic objectives. Guide teams in conducting literature reviews, assessing viability of synthetic routes, and executing new chemical reactions at scale. API Process Development Team Leadership & Development Ensure observance of best practices for project governance, reporting, and performance tracking (KPIs) within API Process Development. Ensure observance of best-practice workflows in process research (route scouting), development (optimization), and technology transfer to efficiently cultivate requisite process knowledge and deliverables at each step Build and lead (a) high-performing project team(s), setting the foundation for growth and fostering a collaborative, mission-driven culture. Create meaningful opportunities for talent development and career growth. Leverage and continuously improve supporting organizational processes (e.g., organizational talent reviews, performance management, regular 1:1s)… Provide mentorship, set goals, and establish performance expectations for Process Development staff, cultivating a focus on accuracy, accountability, and professional growth. Implement training and professional development programs to enhance team capabilities across pivotal unit operations in API chemical process development (reaction, workup, isolation, purification, micronization, etc.). Grow M4ALL capabilities (expertise, infrastructure) in market-driven technology and innovation domains (e.g., cheminformatics and applied AI, continuous-flow manufacturing, biocatalysis, automation/robotics, green chemistry, etc.) In partnership with executive leadership, develop and execute multi-generational plans for Process Development, reducing long-term capability and performance objectives into a year-over-year programmatic action. Platform Innovation Strategy and Leadership In partnership with executive leadership, develop and execute the platform innovation strategy for Process Development, ensuring alignment with M4ALL’s mission and long-term objectives. Drive the development and deployment of market-driven novel methodologies and technologies – i.e., new service offerings - to improve the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of API manufacturing Foster collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to identify emerging trends, service opportunities, and strategic partnerships. Represent M4ALL in discussions with external partners, industry stakeholders, and funding agencies to strengthen collaborations and advance innovative process development. Lead efforts to standardize documentation, knowledge-sharing, and data-driven decision-making within the PD team (e.g., digitalization, knowledge management systems deployment complementing ELN) Measure the impact of continuous improvement initiatives through the KPI lens (see Team Leadership above), providing insights and reports to executive leadership and stakeholders. Ensure thorough project documentation, data analysis, and reporting to internal and external stakeholders. Establish robust workflows for evaluating raw material costs and optimizing reaction conditions to drive cost reduction. Implement and advocate for continuous improvement within R&D operations, assessing project effectiveness and refining strategies as needed. Qualifications Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Education : Ph.D.in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field; or the experience and skills that equate to a Ph.D. Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing (drug substance / active pharmaceutical ingredients), with a focus on early phase process R&D, including at least 5 years in a leadership role Leadership Abilities: Proven experience in leading innovation and managing teams, with a demonstrated ability to develop talent and foster a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement. Cultural Competency: Proven experience fostering and contributing to a diverse environment for faculty, staff, and students, or a strong commitment to doing so at VCU. Troubleshooting and Independent Judgment: Robust set of decision-making and judgement, responding calmly and effectively in crisis situations with excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills Travel : Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (anticipated up to 10% of time) Risk Management : Expertise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks, with the ability to implement corrective actions to keep projects on track. Communication and Collaboration : Effective verbal, written, and listening skills, including the ability to interact effectively across the organization in situations that may require instruction, persuasion, negotiation, and resolution of conflict Results-Oriented: Proven ability to drive projects to successful completion within scope, on time, and within budget, especially under resource-constrained and high-stakes environments. Strategic Thinking: Ability to contextualize long term strategies and short-term requirements Unwavering commitment to aligning and adhering to M4ALL’s core values and purpose. Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU. Reporting Structure This role reports to the Head of R&D and is intended to be a key supervisory position within the team. Additionally, this role embodies everyday leadership, with an expectation to lead through actions, discussions, decisions, and interactions. As a role model within the organization, you will influence others by consistently demonstrating the values and behaviors that drive our mission forward. Work Environment and Location 100% onsite at the VA Bio+Tech Park Since M4ALL's inception in 2017, we have received significant financial support from a diverse portfolio of major donors. This position is grant-funded, with continued employment contingent upon ongoing funding. Salary Range $140,000 - $170,000 Target Hire Date 8/25/2025 Contact Information for Candidates m4all@vcu.edu Documents Needed to Apply Seniority level Seniority level Director Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Strategy/Planning and Research Industries Higher Education and Biotechnology Research Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Virginia Commonwealth University by 2x Inferred from the description for this job Medical insurance Vision insurance 401(k) Pension plan Paid paternity leave Child care support Paid maternity leave Student loan assistance Tuition assistance Disability insurance Get notified when a new job is posted. Sign in to set job alerts for “Director Process Development” roles. 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