About the Role The Polymer Science Expert serves as the organization's technical authority on polymer materials used in bioprocessing products and systems. This role provides expertise in polymer chemistry, material selection, processing, sealing technologies, product performance, quality investigations, and customer complaint resolution. The position collaborates with Quality, R&D;, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to ensure that polymer-based products meet performance, safety, compliance, and customer requirements throughout their lifecycle.

Educational Qualification

- M.Tech or Ph.D. degree in Polymer Science, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline. Ph.D. preferred.

Experience

- 5 to 10+ years of experience in polymer science, materials engineering, or polymer product development.
- Experience supporting bioprocess, biopharmaceutical, medical device, life sciences, or single-use technologies preferred (not mandatory).
- Demonstrated experience in customer complaint investigations and root cause analysis.
- Experience with polymer processing and sealing technologies.

Required Skills

Deep understanding of

- Polyolefins
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- EVA

Responsibilities

Polymer Science & Technical Leadership

- Serve as the organization's subject matter expert (SME) in polymer science and engineering.
- Provide guidance on polymer chemistry, material properties, degradation mechanisms, and compatibility with bioprocess applications.
- Evaluate and recommend materials for recent and existing products based on performance, manufacturability, regulatory requirements, and cost considerations.
- Support product design reviews and material qualification activities.
- Establish material selection guidelines and best practices across the organization.

Product Quality & Performance

- Lead technical assessments related to product quality, reliability, and performance.
- Define critical material attributes and acceptance criteria.




- Support risk assessments related to polymer materials and manufacturing processes.
- Develop strategies to improve product robustness and consistency.
- Review material specifications and quality standards.

Market Complaint & Failure Investigations

- Lead investigations of customer complaints, product failures, and field issues.
- Conduct root cause analysis using scientific and engineering methodologies.
- Evaluate returned products and perform material characterization studies.
- Interpret analytical results and identify failure mechanisms.
- Recommend and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Prepare technical reports and communicate findings to internal and external stakeholders.

Manufacturing & Process Support

- Provide expertise in polymer processing technologies including:
- Injection moulding
- Blow moulding
- Welding and bonding technologies
- Thermal sealing and heat-seal optimization
- Evaluate sealing parameters and establish process windows.
- Support manufacturing troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assess the impact of process changes on product performance.

Bioprocess Application Expertise

- Support the selection and qualification of materials for:
- Single-use systems
- Bioprocess bags
- Tubing assemblies
- Filters and fluid management systems
- Sampling and storage systems
- Understand interactions between process fluids and polymer materials.
- Evaluate extractables and leachables risks.

Assess sterilization compatibility including:

- Gamma irradiation
- Autoclave sterilization
- Ethylene oxide sterilization
- X-Ray sterilization
- Any new sterilization methods that may come up in the future
- Support customer application reviews and technical consultations.

Material Characterization & Analytical Support

- Interpret and direct testing using techniques such as:
- FTIR
- GPC
- SEM
- Mechanical testing
- Rheological analysis
- Chemical compatibility testing
- Develop testing protocols to evaluate material performance and failure modes.
- Review external laboratory reports and provide scientific interpretation.

📌 Principal Polymer Analyst / Polymer Scientist (Pune)
🏢 PharmNXT Biotech
📍 Pune