Pharmaceutical Scientist (m/f/x)

Business Unit: Pharma
Location: Cologne (Pharmaceutical Technical Centre)
Start date: July 1st, 2026


The IMCD Group is a globally leading distribution partner, formulator and solutions provider of speciality chemicals and ingredients. With a global network of industry experts, IMCD offers its suppliers and customers in the EMEA, Americas and Asia-Pacific regions market-oriented solutions, an extensive product portfolio, and innovative formulations across Home Care & I&I, Beauty & Personal Care, Food & Nutrition and Pharmaceuticals, as well as Lubricants & Energy, Coatings & Construction, Advanced Materials and Industrial Solutions.


In 2025, the IMCD Group, headquartered in Rotterdam, generated revenues of EUR 4,779 million with more than 5,200 employees in over 60 countries across six continents.


IMCD Germany opened its headquarters in Cologne in 1996 as one of the company’s first subsidiaries. This location is complemented by a strategic site in Hamburg. Today, around 270 experts across Germany work on new solutions that drive the success of our business partners.


Position:

As a Pharmaceutical Scientist (m/f/d) within the Pharma Business Unit, you focus on analytical development: you plan and conduct scientific experiments, develop and optimize test methods (including HPLC), and translate results into clear recommendations to achieve project objectives. You collaborate internationally across the Business Group, with other laboratories and external partners to transfer methods, align standards, and jointly address complex challenges. With precise execution, safe handling of laboratory equipment, and structured prioritization, you make a significant contribution to the quality of our products-tablets, capsules, and topical dosage forms-and take on a central scientific role within projects.

Plan and conduct scientific experiments to develop analytical prototype studies for solid, liquid and semisolid pharmaceutical dosage forms
Develop, optimize, and modify HPLC/ UV test methodologies to address complex analytical challenges
Identify root causes of analytical issues and propose effective, science-based solutions
Review and interpret test results in alignment with project objectives; recommend corrective actions where needed
Schedule experiments and prioritize assignments to meet project objectives and deadlines
Maintain laboratory equipment and chemicals in a safe manner
Follow company safety standards and SOPs for laboratory activities and adhere to health, safety, and environmental regulations
Support scientific teams and collaborate internationally within the Business Group and other IMCD laboratories

Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy or related science (Pharmaceutical Technology, Chemistry, Biotechnology)
5 or more years’ experience in pharmaceutical analytics or analytical development (experience with oral solid and topical dosage forms is an advantage)
Knowledge of basic and advanced concepts related to materials science and pharmaceutical development, particularly in oral solid dosage forms is beneficial
Hands-on HPLC experience (method development/adaptation, data evaluation)
Creative, solution finder, and hands-on
Skilled in working with MS Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
Proficiency in English. Knowledge of German is an advantage

Working in a competent and highly motivated team with flat hierarchies
A modern place of work in the centre of Cologne
Mobility allowance (Deutschlandticket, commuting cost subsidy, or parking space)
Remote work and flexible working hours
Modern IT equipment (company cell phone, laptop and equipment for mobile working)
5 hour week (full time) and 30 vacation days
A wide range of training opportunities and a corporate culture that promotes performance
Encouraging colleagues to get to know each other across departments (regular employee and team events)
Contributions to capital-forming benefits and company ...