Material Science Technical Specialist

About BioMarin

BioMarin is a biotechnology company focused on rare diseases and genetically defined conditions. Since its founding in 1997, the company has built a portfolio of treatments that aim to improve the lives of patients and families who often have very limited options. Its therapies span conditions such as achondroplasia, PKU, CLN2, and several forms of MPS, and the portfolio has also expanded to include treatments for Fabry disease and Pompe disease.

The organization’s strength comes from scientific depth, a commitment to quality, and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Its teams work across the globe to develop and deliver innovative medicines for people living with rare genetic disorders.

About Technical Operations

The Technical Operations function supports drug production for both clinical studies and commercial supply. The team includes engineers, technicians, scientists, and support staff who develop and maintain manufacturing systems and sites, ensure quality and regulatory compliance, and manage the procurement and global movement of materials and products needed to serve patients.

Role Overview

This is a 12-month contract opportunity for a Material Science Technical Specialist based in Cork, County Cork, Ireland. The role requires strong expertise in biopharmaceutical materials and manufacturing processes, with particular focus on single-use technologies such as bags, filters, tubing assemblies, and drug product materials.

The specialist will support commercial and clinical manufacturing operations by evaluating product-contact materials, raw materials, and related suppliers. The role also includes reviewing industry standards such as USP and other governing frameworks, approving raw materials for use, and driving improvements through assessment of existing materials, methods, process history, equipment, and technologies.

This position also plays a key part in introducing new processes into a cGMP manufacturing environment and in using quality system tools such as Veeva and TrackWise to support material or process changes. The ideal candidate will combine attention to detail with the ability to think strategically across the broader manufacturing landscape.

The role involves working closely with teams across Technical Operations, including Clinical and Commercial Manufacturing, Process Development, Drug Substance Technologies, Drug Product and Device Technologies, Supply Chain, Global Sourcing and Procurement, Supplier Quality, Quality Assurance, Quality Control Raw Materials, Compliance, and Regulatory Affairs. Periodic travel may be required for conferences, workshops, training, technology transfer, or evaluations of systems and processes.

Responsibilities

• Drive harmonization, optimization, and continuous improvement work, especially around single-use items and related technologies.
• Help build site-wide and company-wide standards for raw materials and operating practices.
• Review supplier change notifications, complaints, and similar raw material-related inputs.
• Assess the technical feasibility of new manufacturing materials and, where needed, test them.
• Evaluate proposed raw material changes affecting manufacturing processes.
• Support technology and process transfers into and out of manufacturing areas or facilities so that new processes align with established commercial-scale material practices.
• Manage raw material change requests, CAPAs, and action items through Veeva QMS.
• Track project milestones, departmental objectives, and strategic initiatives.
• Communicate project progress and status clearly to stakeholders.
• Prepare project documents, spreadsheets, and presentations using Microsoft Office tools.
• Continue building knowledge of raw materials and the bodies that govern them.

Experience and Skills Needed

The successful candidate should have experience in material science, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, manufacturing sciences and technology, and/or process development. A strong understanding of pharmaceutical single-use raw materials is essential, along with established working relationships with suppliers.

Knowledge of biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes, cGMP operations, large-scale equipment, and raw material standards is important. The role also calls for familiarity with technology and process transfer, regulatory expectations, and best practices. Strong project management, organization, communication, and multitasking abilities are required, as well as the ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.

Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Project, Excel, and PowerPoint, is also expected.

Education

A Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences with 3 to 5 years of relevant experience is preferred. A Master of Science with 2 years of relevant experience is also acceptable.

Additional Information

This job summary is not exhaustive. The role may include additional duties as needed or assigned.

Equal Opportunity

BioMarin is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.