Senior Scientist in Early Formulation and Drug Profiling

1000scholars; Gif-sur-Yvette; Remote; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

1000scholars is seeking a Senior Scientist in Early Formulation and Drug Profiling in Gif-sur-Yvette, France. The role leads drug delivery innovation, coordinates non-clinical formulation activities, and advances developability assessments to support clinical development.

You will plan and supervise laboratory work, apply new technologies including AI-driven predictions, and collaborate with DMPK, Translational Medicine, and CMC teams to ensure timely progression of portfolio projects.

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology or related field with 8–10 years in formulation and targeted drug delivery.
• Expertise with poorly soluble/poorly permeable molecules and oral bioavailability optimization.
• Strong knowledge of physicochemical characterization (XRD, DSC, particle size) and PBPK/AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee formulation strategies for complex, poorly soluble or poorly permeable molecules to maximize in vivo exposure and oral bioavailability.
• Lead developability assessments of New Chemical Entities (NCEs).
• Identify and implement advanced targeted drug delivery technologies, including blood-brain barrier strategies.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary project teams to ensure data alignment and resolve complex problems.
• Summarize results, monitor scientific and regulatory developments, and mentor colleagues.

Skills

Formulation strategy

Developability assessment

Drug delivery

Physicochemical characterization

AI predictions

PBPK modeling

Solubilization techniques

Project leadership

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology

Tools

X-ray diffraction

DSC

Laser particle size analysis

µDissolution

PBPK modeling software

AI prediction models

Job description

Senior Scientist in Early Formulation and Drug Profiling
Servier
Gif-sur-Yvette, France
As part of the Early Formulation and Drug Profiling (EFDP) team in DMPK, the Senior Scientist will be responsible for leading drug delivery innovation projects, non-clinical formulation activities, and physicochemical characterization to ensure the selection and advancement of drug candidates into development. He or she brings specialized expertise in low-solubility and/or low-permeability molecules optimizing oral bioavailability and in new delivery approaches for modalities such as oligonucleotide and antibody-based therapeutics. He or she plays a pivotal role in evaluating the most suitable drug delivery systems and the developability of compounds to ensure a smooth transition of projects into clinical development.
This position involves planning, executing and supervising experimental work in the laboratory. This is a partially lab-based position with access to technical team or through subcontractors.
He or she also contributes to the development and implementation of new technologies in the laboratory including AI predictions and modeling.
The Senior Scientist works closely with the DMPK teams as well as the in vivo teams (i.e., pharmacology and toxicology), the small-molecule drug design department, the Translational Medicine and CMC departments, and the therapeutic areas to ensure timely delivery to portfolio projects.

Main Responsibilities:

• Formulation Strategy: Design and oversee formulation strategies - such as lipid systems, solid dispersions, and nanosuspensions - for complex, poorly soluble or poorly permeable molecules) to maximize in vivo exposure and oral bioavailability while ensuring molecular stability.
• Developability Assessment: Lead the assessment of the "developability" of NCEs (New Chemical Entities) by analyzing the impact of physicochemical properties on solubility, dissolution, and absorption.
• Technical Expertise & Innovation: Identify and implement advanced targeted drug delivery technologies in particular through the blood brain barrier for brain diseases and in vitro tools to characterize permeability and dissolution.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as an expert point of contact within interdisciplinary project teams (MedChem, DMPK, Nonclinical Safety CMC, etc.) to ensure data alignment and the resolution of complex problems (troubleshooting).
• Reporting & Monitoring: Summarize results, draft high-level technical reports, and actively monitor scientific and regulatory developments and technological advancements. Share information (dissemination and follow-up) and communicate work results both internally and externally.
• Mentoring: Support the professional development of colleagues (Associate Scientists, technicians) and ensure the transfer of technical expertise.

Profile:

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology, Formulation, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Proven experience (at least 8-10 years) in formulation and targeted drug delivery within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing complex molecules (BCS Classes II, III, and IV) and modalities such as oligonucleotide-based therapeutics.
• Advanced proficiency in solubilization techniques and targeted drug delivery technologies.
• In-depth expertise in physicochemical characterization (X-ray diffraction, DSC, laser particle size analysis, µDissolution).
• Good knowledge of how physicochemical properties affect solubility, dissolution, and absorption.
• In-depth knowledge of drug discovery processes and the design of preclinical studies.
• Knowledge in PBPK modeling and AI tools to predict physico-chemical properties, solubility/dissolution and formulation.
• Project leadership and the ability to influence strategic decisions within project teams.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical mentoring and share knowledge.