Scientific Leadership Development Program (SLDP)

Purpose and Scope

The Scientific Leadership Development Program provides four six-month rotations over two years, offering cross-functional experience across the pharmaceutical product lifecycle, from ideation and development through regulatory submission and commercial manufacturing. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will transition to a team aligned with their demonstrated skills, experience, and organizational needs. Throughout the program, it is expected to model technical leadership, promote a strong safety culture, and uphold Tolmar’s values.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (these will change slightly during rotations)

• Develop pharmaceutical formulations utilizing Quality by Design and risk assessment concepts.


• Apply regulations for drugs and medical devices, including USP, ICH and FDA regulations.


• Adhere to validated test methods, standard operating procedures, and applicable industry guidance.


• Maintain and review laboratory notebooks according to in-house standard operating procedures.


• Efficiently write and review technical reports, summaries, protocols, test methods, standard operating procedures, and other documents.


• Use technical discretion in the design, execution, and interpretation of experiments.


• Participate and comply with required Tolmar training.


• Interact closely with project teams across departments and outside testing laboratories


• Interpret, review, and discuss data from outside testing laboratories.


• Assist junior team members by mentoring, training and coaching others.


• Apply basic statistics for data trending and design of experiments


• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Gain proficiency in the operation of analytical laboratory instruments such as HPLC, GC, FTIR, pH, GC


• Gain proficiency with FDA regulations, USP, NF, ICH, EP, and their application in the laboratory.


• Proficient in effectively writing and accurately reviewing technical reports, summaries, protocols, test methods, standard operating procedures, and other documents for use in the company or for submission to government agencies.


• Demonstrate understanding of drug product formulation development.


• Basic understanding of common critical quality attributes (CQAs) of drug products based on formulation and stability.

• Introductory knowledge of:




• Intellectual property


• Regulatory requirements


• Drug-device combination product development




• Basic knowledge of:




• Process scale-up concepts


• Formulation development concepts for specific types of pharmaceutical formulations




• Demonstrated proficiency regarding:




• GDP, GLP, and cGMPs.


• Data interpretation and statistical analysis


• Safe laboratory practices, chemical handling, and equipment operation




• Ability to work well independently and within a team environment.


• Experience with laboratory and wet chemistry techniques (e.g., weighing, volumetric glassware)


• Experience in equipment troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs.


• Effective written presentation and oral communication skills.


• Experience with word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs (e.g., MS Office, Smartsheet).


• Experience with computer systems for laboratory instrumentation and raw data handling.


• Learn and apply new technologies to problem-solving


• Attention to detail, be efficient, accurate and consistent in data compilation and review.


• Work independently and with other scientists to concurrently handle multiple projects and timelines.


• Demonstrate problem-solving in a timely manner.

Core Values

This position is expected to operate within the framework of Tolmar’s Core Values:

• Center on People: We commit to support the well‑being of our patients and treat our employees and those we serve as valued partners. By placing people at the heart of our actions, we actively engage, invigorate, acquire knowledge, and grow together with an enterprise‑wide mindset that lifts the whole organization.


• Are Proactive & Agile: We embody a culture of engagement and action. With a hands-on approach, we fearlessly adapt to change. We anticipate, respond swiftly and efficiently to ignite a spirit that propels us towards extraordinary outcomes.​


• Act Ethically: We are committed to consistently conducting our business in an ethical, compliant, and socially aware manner, in line with our purpose of positively impacting lives. We actively cultivate diversity, equity, inclusion & sustainability in our workplace.


• ​Constantly Improve: We are committed to a proactive, collaborative effort to enhance our products, systems, processes, and services by reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and improving quality. We strive to be innovative, embracing calculated risk‑taking that drives better ways of working.


• Are Accountable: We think, act, and communicate with honesty, transparency, and clarity in alignment with our core values. We don't compromise our values for near term gain. We take accountability & ownership of our work, actions, successes, and setbacks. We strive to deliver our best as we shape the future.​

Education & Experience

• Ph.D., or Pharm D in a scientific Field or a Master’s degree in chemical engineering.


• Must be a recent graduate who completed the required degree within the past year.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in typical office and laboratory settings and may involve exposure to pharmaceutical substances, solvents, biological materials, and pharmaceutical waste.


• Core Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm


• Location: On Site in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual Pay Range: $90,000 - $94,000


• Benefits information: https://www.tolmar.com/careers/employee-benefits

Tolmar compensation programs are focused on equitable, fair pay practices including market-based base pay and a strong benefits package. The final compensation offered may vary from the posted range based on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.

Tolmar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.