Computational Modeling Consultant - CMC

What You’ll Do

Partner with pharmaceutical CMC clients to identify high-value opportunities for computational modeling, advanced analytics, and AI/ML across process development, scale-up, manufacturing, and technology transfer.
Develop and apply first-principles and mechanistic models, including CFD, DEM, computational chemistry, and other physics-based approaches, to solve complex CMC and process development challenges.
Build and apply AI/ML models that complement first-principles approaches and improve process understanding, prediction, optimization, and decision-making.
Translate scientific and business questions into modeling strategies, analytical approaches, and implementation plans.
Assess available experimental, process, and manufacturing data and determine the appropriate data, modeling methods, and computational techniques required to address client needs.
Develop robust, reusable, and production-ready modeling solutions, including code development, testing, deployment, documentation, versioning, and ongoing model lifecycle management.
Integrate computational models with relevant CMC data sources and systems, including ELN, LIMS, ERP, and PLM platforms.
Interpret modeling results and translate complex technical findings into clear recommendations for scientists, engineers, and senior CMC leaders.
Support model validation, adoption, and integration into scientific and operational workflows.
Apply modeling expertise across modalities and manufacturing processes, adapting approaches to new scientific and technical challenges as needed.
Lead technical workstreams and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across process development, data science, engineering, manufacturing, and technology.
Contribute to the development of ZS capabilities, methodologies, and reusable assets in computational modeling and digital CMC.

What You’ll Bring

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Computational Science, or a related quantitative or scientific discipline.
At least 5 years of relevant experience, preferably within pharmaceutical CMC, process development, manufacturing, or a closely related environment.
Hands-on experience developing first-principles or mechanistic models, such as CFD, DEM, computational chemistry, process models, or other physics-based modeling approaches, for pharmaceutical process development or manufacturing.
Experience developing and applying AI/ML models to scientific, engineering, or process development problems.
Strong programming skills and experience developing production-quality modeling code and managing models across their lifecycle.
Strong understanding of pharmaceutical CMC concepts, including unit operations, process development, Quality by Design, technology transfer, process validation, critical quality attributes, and development and regulatory milestones.
Experience working with scientific and manufacturing data and familiarity with systems such as ELN, LIMS, ERP, or PLM.
Ability to combine first-principles modeling, data-driven modeling, and domain expertise to solve complex scientific and engineering problems.
Ability to translate modeling approaches and technical results into clear business and scientific recommendations.
Experience communicating with senior scientific, technical, and business stakeholders.
Ability to lead multiple technical workstreams and effectively manage priorities, timelines, and deliverables.
Ability to apply expertise developed in one modality or process area to new modalities and scientific contexts.
Fluency in English
Client-first mentality
Intense work ethic
Collaborative spirit and problem-solving approach

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in a relevant engineering, scientific, or computational discipline.
Experience with hybrid modeling approaches that combine mechanistic models with AI/ML.
Experience deploying computational models into production or decision-support environments.
Familiarity with CMC regulatory submission requirements and expectations for model validation, traceability, and documentation.
Experience across multiple pharmaceutical modalities, such as small molecules, biologics, cell and gene therapies, or other advanced therapies.
Consulting or client-facing experience in pharmaceutical R&D, CMC, or manufacturing.

How you’ll grow:

Cross-functional skills development & custom learning pathways
Milestone training programs aligned to career progression opportunities
Internal mobility paths that empower growth via s-curves, individual contribution and role expansions