Sr. Principal R&D Scientist

Job tittle : Sr. Principal R&D Scientist
Job location :Richmond VA
Job duration :12 months on W2

Summary:
we are 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:
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

Nothing in this job description restricts managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time.

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:
Bachelors degree in Chemistry Microbiology Analytical Sciences or a related scientific discipline
Minimum of 510 years of hands-on laboratory experience in a regulated environment (e.g. consumer products pharmaceutical or similar)
An Associates 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

Working Environment:
Must be able to work in a laboratory controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g. lab coat safety glasses etc.) in laboratory.
Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time
The person needs to occasionally move between labs corridors adjoining rooms and buildings onsite Frequently operate on instruments objects tools or controls which will require regularly bending squatting stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function.
Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).
Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation the ability to observe details at close range distance vision color vision peripheral vision depth perception and ability to adjust focus in order to perform the essential service functions of this position.
Occasionally operates a computer and other office machinery such as a calculator copy machine and computer printer.
Employee may be required to handle hazardous waste according to local state and federal regulations. Duties may include identifying handling generating accumulating storing and labeling hazardous waste.
Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature biological materials and hazardous chemicals.
May be required to complete Medical Clearance Respiratory Protection Training and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against hazards present in the laboratory environment.