Smithers Hires New Device Testing Laboratory Manager

Smithers has appointed Michael Zier as Laboratory Operations manager for its Medical Device Testing Division’s new laboratory in Germany.

Zier has a wealth of experience in developing and testing of pharmaceutical combination products, including the associated regulatory requirements and international testing standards. As Laboratory Operations manager, he will develop testing protocols, ensure regulatory compliance, manage laboratory technicians, and work directly with clients to understand their goals and to ensure that client projects are on time. 
 
“Michael’s technical expertise and industry experience are key assets as we open this new facility in Germany,” stated Gael Peron, president of Smithers Medical Device Testing Division. “As Laboratory Operations manager, we are confident that Michael will help strengthen our relationships with European clients looking to bring innovative, compliant, and effective medical devices and pharmaceutical products to market.”
 
Zier has more than 30 years of industry experience, having previously worked with AstraZeneca, Almirall Sofotec, and ASTA Medica. Zier started as a laboratory technician in chemistry, eventually becoming laboratory manager in R&D of pharmaceutical combination products for COPD and asthma. He has experience and expertise in inhalation device development, analytical test creation and validation, batch release for clinical trials, ATT, supplier re-qualification, and equipment implementation, including transfer of manual methods into automated approaches.

Founded in 1925 and headquartered in Akron, Ohio, Smithers is a multinational provider of testing, consulting, information, and compliance services. With laboratories and operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, Smithers supports customers in the transportation, life science, packaging, materials, components, consumer, cannabis, dry commodities, and energy industries. Smithers delivers accurate data, on time, with high touch, by integrating science, technology, and business expertise.