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 five strategic locations—Belgium (Ghent), the Netherlands (Oss and Assen), 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 Oss, we are looking for a
Senior Scientist Process R&D – LNP formulation expert

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

YOUR ROLE

You will work both independently and in teams on Process R&D for nanomedicines, with a focus on the early-stage formulation of lipid nanoparticles (LNP). This entails, in close collaboration with our clients, the development of best-in-class LNP formulations that can subsequently be scaled and transferred to GMP-compliant procedures. You will take – in time – on full leadership of your projects as Chemical Project Lead, and supervise other (associate) scientists. You will form the core project team together with the Project Manager, Analytical Project Lead and Quality Assurance.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• You will design advanced experimental plans and ensure flawless execution and analysis of lab experiments, for the formulation of LNP and other delivery systems

• You will be involved in the scale up of nucleic acid delivery systems, to enable the preparation and execution of (cGMP) manufacturing of LNP and other nanomedicines, in collaboration with colleagues from Process R&D and Production

• You will keep yourself up to date with the latest LNP research, technologies and competitive landscapes across lipid nanoparticles, nucleic acid delivery and targeted therapeutics. You will pro-actively contribute to the assessment and implementation of novel processes and technologies

• Working closely with colleagues from Project Management, Production, Analytical Sciences and Quality Assurance

• You will be the first point-of-contact for our customers for matters related to formulation and process development. You offer strategic scientific, technical, and regulatory leadership to direct colleagues as well as cross-functional project teams, to ensure the successful execution and delivery of customer projects.

• You will write technical reports and maintain customer contact, written as well as verbally, to update on the status and progress of your projects

• Compliance to (company) regulations, procedures and (inter)national standards with regards to safety, product quality, order and tidiness

• You take up responsibility to run a smooth lab e.g. the management of your lab space, equipment and materials

• You will report into a Senior/Principal Scientist - Group Lead Process R&D Nanomedicines.

YOUR PROFILE 

• You have a PhD degree in chemistry, organic life sciences, pharmaceutical sciences or equivalent

• Expert-level knowledge and strong hands-on experience (5+ years) with LNP formulations for the encapsulation of nucleic acids (mRNA, siRNA, DNA) and other biomolecules, and with the conjugation of targeting moieties

• Proficiency in alternative nucleic acid delivery systems is much appreciated. Experience with the synthesis and formulation of therapeutic nanoparticles with other (non-nucleic acid based) cargo’s is a bonus

• A track record in the pharmaceutical industry, specialized in process and scale-up development towards cGMP manufacturing, is a strong asset

• You feel comfortable in a dynamic and changing environment

• You like to learn and develop yourself

• You are flexible and pragmatic, a problem solver, pro-active, a team player and able to work under pressure

• You have an analytical mindset, and you are stress resistant

• You have good communication skills and are fluent in both Dutch & English (written as well as spoken).

 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: option to buy extra leave, standard travel allowance, bonus plan.
  ✔ Flexible working hours and 30 days of paid holiday per year
  ✔ A dynamic, international 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

HOW TO APPLY

Want to know more? Contact Roy van de Camp at hr.nl@ardena.com.

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