Principal R&D Scientist

VALIDATION ASSOCIATES LLC

Principal R&D Scientist

Richmond, VA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Description Summary: PerkinElmer OneSource is seeking a Transformation Lead Scientist to lead end-to-end laboratory and process transformation across Product Integrity, Analytical Sciences, R&D, and Manufacturing Quality laboratories within a highly regulated consumer products environment. This role supports laboratories focused on tobacco, nicotine, aerosol, and next-generation product testing, ensuring analytical and quality operations are efficient, compliant, and scalable. The successful candidate will assess current capabilities across multiple sites while working alongside business-as-usual (BAU) lab operations, driving measurable improvements in throughput, data quality, and regulatory readiness.

    Job Responsibilities: End-to-End Process Transformation • Lead process transformation across Analytical Sciences production labs, Foundational Chemistry labs, R&D environments, and Manufacturing Quality Services labs • Map current-state capabilities while operating in parallel with business-as-usual (BAU) activities • Identify gaps, redundancies, and inefficiencies across laboratory operations and service delivery models

    Multi-Site Workflow & Capability Assessment • Evaluate workflows across multiple sites, teams, and laboratory functions • Develop and implement skills matrices to assess workforce capabilities and identify proficiency gaps • Align resources, roles, and processes to optimize efficiency and scalability across the network

    Data-Driven Operational Excellence • Define and analyze key performance metrics, including samples processed per role, non-conformance/error rates, and time per sample • Leverage data-driven insights to drive process optimization and continuous improvement • Implement scalable solutions that enhance throughput, data quality, compliance, and overall operational performance

    Metrics Infrastructure & Measurement Solutions • Design and implement systems and tools to capture, track, and report key laboratory performance metrics • Establish standardized methods for data collection, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and traceability • Enable real-time or near-real-time visibility into operational performance to support decision-making and continuous improvement

    Critical Skills: • Strong scientific and technical foundation in analytical sciences, chemistry, microbiology, or related disciplines, with the ability to understand and troubleshoot complex laboratory workflows • Proven experience in process transformation and operational excellence, including assessing workflows and implementing scalable improvements • Strong data analytics capability with experience defining, tracking, and interpreting key performance metrics (e.g., throughput, error rates, cycle time) • Experience developing or leveraging systems and tools (e.g., LIMS, ELN, dashboards) to capture, manage, and visualize operational data • Effective leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and communicate insights clearly • Solid understanding of regulated laboratory environments (e.g., FDA, ISO, GLP/GMP) with a strong focus on quality, compliance, and documentation accuracy

    Basic Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, Analytical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline • Minimum of 5–10 years of hands-on laboratory experience in a regulated environment (e.g., consumer products, pharmaceutical, or similar) • An Associate's degree in a life science field plus 15+ years of laboratory experience

    Preferred Qualifications: • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Chemistry, Analytical Sciences, Microbiology, or a related scientific field • Experience in tobacco, nicotine, aerosol, or other regulated consumer product testing environments • Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation (e.g., chromatography, spectroscopy, or automated lab systems) • Familiarity with regulatory frameworks such as FDA, ISO, GLP/GMP, and data integrity standards Experience with digital lab systems and tools (e.g., LIMS, ELN, data visualization platforms) • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional or multi-site initiatives, including process transformation or lab optimization

    Flexible work from home options available.