Introduction to Ardena

As a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), Ardena partners with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes—from emerging biotech to global industry leaders—united by the mission to help biopharma innovators navigate drug development with precision, quality, and speed, bringing their molecules from discovery to the clinic and market. Our fully integrated services span drug substance and drug product development, manufacturing, nanomedicine, clinical logistics, bioanalytical services, state research, fill & finish, and CMC regulatory support.

With a rapidly growing international footprint, Ardena is home to over 750 professionals across six strategic locations—Belgium (Ghent), the Netherlands (Oss and Assen), Sweden (Södertälje), Spain (Pamplona), and Somerset, New Jersey (the US). Our open and transparent culture is built on collaboration, ownership, and innovation, guided by our We CARE values. We foster a communicative environment where mutual respect, accountability, and excellence empower our team.

We are looking for skilled and motivated professionals eager to grow their careers in an exciting and fast-paced environment. Whether you’re an experienced expert or just starting out, Ardena provides a dynamic workplace where you can contribute to meaningful drug development projects, expand your knowledge, and be part of a global team committed to making a difference. As an international organization, we help you navigate a career path that expands your possibilities beyond borders, opening doors to personal and professional growth without limits. Your potential to grow is limitless with us.

If you are ready to take on new opportunities, work alongside industry experts, and contribute to the future of medicine, Ardena is the place for you.
 

For the Ardena Business Unit based in Somerset (US), we are looking for a Pharmaceutical Technician I, for our first shift.

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

YOUR ROLE

This is a cross-functional position encompassing, but not limited to the Dispensing, Milling, Blending, Granulation, Fluid Bed Coating, Compression, Encapsulation, Tablet Coating manufacturing processes. Specifically, optimal skills would be - Hot Melt Extrusion, Wet and dry granulation, Glatt Fluid Beds, (Top spray, bottom spray and drying), Roller Compaction. Must be able to keep accurate and detailed records, understand batch records and maintain cleanliness of work area. Must follow standard operating procedures.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Utilizing the current dispensing systems of scales and balances, accurately weigh/dispense and label raw materials for manufacturing.

• Accurately prepares for return to the warehouse all partial raw material containers, defaces and disposes of all empty raw material drums as per current SOP’s.

• Checks for accuracy all materials delivered from the dispensing area as well as all in-process materials from the prior unit operation as per current SOP.

• Performs all the duties necessary to mill, blend and granulate drug products which includes the disassembly, cleaning, set-up and operation of milling, blending and granulation manufacturing equipment.

• Performs all the duties necessary to compress and encapsulate drug products, which includes the disassembly, cleaning, set-up and operation of manufacturing equipment such as but not limited to Tablet Presses, Capsule Fillers, Dedusters, Metal Detectors, Disintegration Testers, Friabilators, Tablet and Capsule In Process Weight Check Systems, Hardness Testers and Micrometers.

• Performs all the duties necessary to film coat drug products, which includes the disassembly, cleaning, set-up and operation of manufacturing equipment such as but not limited to various size Fluid Beds, Coating Pans, Solution Tanks, Spray Guns and Mixers.

• Will maintain the immediate work area in a clean and safe manner and perform room and equipment cleanings as needed.

• Comprehends and adheres to all pertinent Health and Safety Regulations, Policies and Procedures.

• Comprehends and adheres to all cGMP’s and other Regulatory requirements.

• Comprehends and adheres to all related SOP’s as well as Batch Records and Protocols.

• Required to use all approved and issued Personal Protective Equipment as directed by policy and procedure.

• Completes all required training activities.

• Clearly and accurately completes all required GMP documentation.

• Perform room and equipment inspections and completes all pertinent documentation.

• Other duties as assigned.

YOUR PROFILE 

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

• Prior experience working in a pharmaceutical, biotech or food manufacturing environment (regulated by GMP standards and requirements for at least 2 years) is preferred; with specific experience in oral solid dosage manufacturing (milling, blending, granulation, fluid bed, Hot Melt Extrusion, compression, capsule filling or pan coating manufacturing processes).

• Expert in at least one manufacturing discipline.

  • Optimal skills would be - Hot Melt Extrusion, Wet and dry granulation, Glatt Fluid Beds, (Top spray, bottom spray and drying), Roller Compaction.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to utilize hand tools to assemble and disassemble various types of machinery.

• Ability to follow instructions and procedures (SOPs, cGMPs).

• Work in a safe manner.

• Legible handwriting skills.

• Proficient reading and comprehension skills.

• Strong leadership skills.

• Strong decision-making skills.

• Technical skills/trouble shooting skills. Demonstrate a high level of technical expertise and problem solving skills.

• Exemplary leadership skills, demonstrate the ability to lead project team (coach, train, mentor team members). Mathematical and reasoning ability.

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.

Physical Requirements:

• Individual may be required to sit, stand, walk regularly.

• Individual may be required to bend, kneel, crouch, and stoop.

• Occasionally lift 0-50 pounds.

• Individual may be required to wear a respirator for several hours at a time due to work associated with potent compounds.

• Be accessible to manufacturing floor and office staff and to use required office equipment.

• Specific vision requirements include reading of written documents and frequent use of computer monitor.

Work Environment/Safety Conditions:

• Must wear safety glasses, in addition to other specified PPE, in all designated areas.

• Must follow any applicable plant safety requirements.

• Must be fit-tested as per OSHA regulations, trained and capable of wearing air purifying respirator.

• Must be trained in plant hazardous material procedures.

• Must use approved fall prevention devices when performing elevated tasks.

• Must be capable of wearing steel-toed safety shoes for 8 to 12 hours a day, depending on duration of the shift.

• Working conditions will be Temperature and Humidity controlled as needed for product.

• Individual’s primary work-area is located in the operations area, where the noise level can be moderate to high. Certain operations may require hearing protection.                                                                                                                 

 WHAT WE OFFER

At Ardena, we recognize that our people drive our success. We offer:

✔ A competitive salary with a tailor-made benefits package, including: medical, dental and vision benefits effective day one of employment
✔ Paid Time Off
✔ A dynamic, global work environment with career growth opportunities
✔ Access to Ardena Academy, our internal learning platform for professional development
✔ A chance to contribute to groundbreaking drug development projects that make a real impact

Salary Range: $60,000 - $72,000

HOW TO APPLY

Ready to start your career path with Ardena? Click the application button and join us in shaping the future of drug development!