Director, Process Research – Development

Corden Pharma - A Full-Service CDMO

. Provide strategic technical leadership and management for the Process R&D Department at the Corden Pharma Colorado site .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeBoulder • Colorado • United StatesLead💰 $195,000 - $215,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in Peptide API Development, including process optimization, scale-up for large-scale manufacturing, and compliance with GMP and regulatory standards. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage project portfolios, and develop CMC strategies aligned with commercialization timelines.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD In Chemistry Or EngineeringPeptide API DevelopmentProcess Development StrategiesProject Management SkillsGMP Compliance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Peptide SynthesisAnalytical DevelopmentProcess CharacterizationPurification TechniquesStatistical AnalysisChemical DevelopmentProcess TransferQuality By Design (QbD)Regulatory ComplianceTechnical Leadership

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsLeadership SkillsCoaching And MentoringNegotiation SkillsRelationship Building

Industry Keywords

Pharmaceutical ManufacturingAPI DevelopmentContinuous ImprovementCross-Functional CollaborationCustomer EngagementEnvironmental RegulationsSafety ComplianceTechnical Support

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic technical leadership and management for the Process R&D Department at the Corden Pharma Colorado site
Set and achieve objectives consistent with site strategy
Provide technical leadership for development of peptide and small-molecule APIs
Develop and monitor plans, build employee capabilities, and embed continuous improvement
Lead Process R&D teams and cross-functional collaboration with other departments
Organize standard work and tactical plans for development activities
Provide technical support for plant operations, including troubleshooting and substantial process improvements
Manage the Process R&D project portfolio
Ensure R&D meets customer expectations on budget and on time for route evaluation, process development, analytical development, and process characterization
Lead technical evaluation of new projects, including risks, innovation opportunities, required capabilities, cost analysis, and pricing strategy
Devise and execute long-term process development strategies aligned with commercialization and regulatory timelines
Communicate with customers and participate in customer meetings, providing strategic direction to cross-functional teams
Lead process development of early- to late-stage peptide products and small-molecule APIs, including development, optimization, and scale-up for large-scale manufacturing
Align Process R&D capabilities with strategic goals and provide competitive advantage
Ensure technical resources and skills are in place and appropriately applied
Serve as Technical Lead for Peptide Development Programs, setting CMC direction and supporting tech transfers and validation execution
Identify management team development needs, recommend training, and ensure training effectiveness
Guide and review strategic technical work to ensure high-quality technical and quality outputs
Participate in developing the Corden Pharma brand
Ensure compliance with GMP, regulatory, safety, and environmental regulations
Lead functional managers and their direct reports, including hiring, training, work assignment, performance appraisal, rewards, discipline, and problem resolution
Develop and manage the Analytical R&D Department budget and ensure expenses remain within budget
Serve on the Development site Leadership Team
Act as a key contact for high-level customer interactions and joint steering committees
Follow safety and environmental responsibilities and support the Quality Management System and cGMP requirements

Requirements

What you’ll need

Doctoral Degree (PhD) or equivalent in Chemistry, Engineering, or related field with 15 years of experience in the development of API, particularly with a focus on Peptide APIs; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience developing CMC strategies and successfully executing on process transfer
Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community
Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format
Ability to effectively present information to top management, scientific and public groups, as well as to boards of directors
Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations
Ability to apply mathematical operations to frequency distribution, test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
Ability to interpret extensive technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with multiple abstract and concrete variables
Must be able to travel both domestically and internationally
Understanding of the basic science and engineering associated with the manufacture of pharmaceuticals
Demonstrated expertise in Chemical Development and Operations Management
Well versed with QbD approach and all ICH regulatory guidances and framework
Demonstrated expertise and know-how in Peptide Synthesis, both on solid phase and in solution phase
Well versed with purification techniques for purifying peptide APIs of 10–50 amino acids using various media
Demonstrated expertise in isolation of peptide API by precipitation and understanding of engineering principles of isolation by filtration
Project Management skills, including planning, staffing, organizing, directing, and controlling
Analytical problem-solving skills
Strong communication skills
Working knowledge of regulatory issues in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Leadership and negotiation skills
Ability to build relationships, influence, and motivate others
Coaching and mentoring skills
Excellent written, oral communication, and presentation skills
Experience with international environments

Benefits

Comp & perks

401(k) matching – Corden Pharma will contribute 100% of the first 6%
100% vested after 2 years of service
Accident Plan
Critical Illness Insurance
Dental Insurance
Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Spending Account
Health Insurance PPO/HSA
Hospital Indemnity Plan
ID Theft Protection
Life Insurance
Paid Parental Leave
Tuition Reimbursement
Wellness Program
Vacation – Three Weeks 1st Year
Vision Insurance