Senior Formulation Scientist - Pharmaceuticals

Placements24; Hurlingham; On-site; ARS 82,493,000 - 119,157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Career advancement

Advanced labs access

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Formulation Scientist to lead the pharmaceutical product development team in Sandton. You will guide pre-formulation through scale-up, ensuring efficacy and manufacturability, with a focus on innovative delivery systems.

The role requires 7+ years in formulation development, strong regulatory knowledge (FDA/EMA), and proven leadership. You will oversee tech transfer, drive regulatory compliance, and mentor a cross-functional team in a dynamic lab setting.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a strong track record of successful product launches.
• In-depth knowledge of drug delivery systems, excipient selection, and manufacturing processes.
• Expertise in analytical techniques for formulation characterization (e.g., dissolution testing, particle size analysis, stability studies).
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements from agencies like the FDA and EMA.
• Strong leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative pharmaceutical formulations for various dosage forms (e.g., oral, injectable, topical).
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, including drug solubility, stability, and compatibility assessments.
• Optimize formulations to achieve desired drug release profiles, bioavailability, and stability.
• Oversee scale-up activities and technology transfer to manufacturing sites.
• Troubleshoot formulation-related issues during development and commercialization.
• Ensure all development activities comply with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and relevant regulatory guidelines.

Skills

Senior formulation leadership

Formulation development

GMP compliance

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Analytical thinking

Education

MSc or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

HPLC

Dissolution testing

Particle size analysis

Stability testing equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Formulation Scientist to lead their pharmaceutical product development team in Sandton. This pivotal role involves the design, development, and optimization of novel drug delivery systems and finished dosage forms. You will guide the entire formulation process from pre-formulation studies through to scale-up and technology transfer, ensuring product efficacy, stability, and manufacturability. The ideal candidate possesses extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences, formulation techniques, and regulatory requirements, with a proven ability to innovate and lead complex development projects in a demanding industry environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative pharmaceutical formulations for various dosage forms (e.g., oral, injectable, topical).
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, including drug solubility, stability, and compatibility assessments.
• Optimize formulations to achieve desired drug release profiles, bioavailability, and stability.
• Oversee scale-up activities and technology transfer to manufacturing sites.
• Troubleshoot formulation-related issues during development and commercialization.
• Ensure all development activities comply with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and relevant regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a strong track record of successful product launches.
• In-depth knowledge of drug delivery systems, excipient selection, and manufacturing processes.
• Expertise in analytical techniques for formulation characterization (e.g., dissolution testing, particle size analysis, stability studies).
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements from agencies like the FDA and EMA.
• Strong leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles.
• Access to advanced formulation development laboratories and equipment in Sandton.
• Support for professional development, continuing education, and conference participation.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment committed to pharmaceutical innovation.