Associate Research Leader - Formulations

Microbial Solutions | Charles River; Harlow; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled formulation scientist to join their expanding pharmaceutical development team. This role is pivotal in applying formulation expertise to guide projects through pre-clinical development, influencing the future of the Pharmaceutical Development group. You'll manage client formulation projects, mentor junior scientists, and engage in diverse projects across various dosage forms. With comprehensive benefits and global career progression opportunities, this position offers a chance to make a significant impact on health and well-being while advancing your career in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits

Pension options

Parental leave

Group life assurance

Income protection

24/7 remote GP access

Wellbeing initiatives

Global career progression opportunities

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in industrial R&D developing formulations for small molecule APIs.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery and development processes.

Responsibilities

• Advise on formulation strategy for Integrated Drug Discovery projects.
• Design and execute formulation study plans based on client needs.
• Mentor junior scientists in formulation techniques.

Skills

Formulation Development

Project Management

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

PK Data Utilization

Education

BSc in Chemistry

Post-graduate qualifications

Tools

Developability Classification System

Physicochemical Assessment

Solubility Studies

Biorelevant Dissolution Studies

Job description

For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development, and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales, or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Job Summary

Are you a skilled formulator looking to take the next step in your career? Have you got experience working in an industrial R&D setting, developing formulations for novel small molecule APIs? Do you want to join a global contract research organization that improves health and lives?

Our expanding pharmaceutical development team in Harlow, Essex, is recruiting an experienced formulation scientist. This role involves applying formulation expertise to guide projects through pre-clinical development. It offers the chance to influence the future of the Pharmaceutical Development group at Charles River, working on diverse client projects across oral, inhaled, dermal, and parenteral routes. The role includes project management, client relationship ownership, and supporting lab work as needed.

Main Tasks

1. Advise as a subject matter expert for Integrated Drug Discovery and Development projects, guiding formulation strategy for successful outcomes.
2. Design and execute formulation study plans based on client needs.
3. Manage client formulation projects to meet timelines and budgets.
4. Serve as the scientific point of contact for clients from initial discussion to project delivery.
5. Mentor junior scientists in formulation techniques and strategies.

Skills And Experience

The ideal candidate has a proactive, can-do approach, attention to detail, and adaptability to changing demands. They utilize PK data and the Developability Classification System to inform formulation strategies and can communicate complex scientific data effectively to stakeholders with varying expertise. Knowledge of solid form characterizations, non-oral dosage routes, and formulation of "Beyond Rule of 5" compounds is desirable. Experience in scientific project management is advantageous.

• BSc in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related; post-graduate qualifications preferred.
• Extensive experience in industrial R&D, developing formulations for novel small molecule APIs.
• Strong understanding of drug discovery and development processes.
• Experience mentoring junior colleagues.
• Experience designing and executing preformulation studies, including physicochemical assessment, solubility, and biorelevant dissolution studies.
• Expertise in oral formulation techniques such as spray drying, wet milling, or emulsion development.

What We Offer You

• Comprehensive benefits from day one, including pension and health options.
• Parental leave, group life assurance, and income protection.
• 24/7 remote GP access, wellbeing initiatives, and discounts via CREDS.
• Global career progression opportunities.
• Varied projects and global collaboration.
• The opportunity to make a difference in health and wellbeing.
• Support for your career growth, cycle to work scheme, and more.

About Discovery

Discovery from Charles River is proven in developing novel therapies, with over 350 patents and 80 preclinical candidates in 17 years. Supported by 650+ scientists, our integrated services span chemistry, biology, and pharmacology, aiding clients from hit identification to IND. Our collaborative approach builds true partnerships to overcome challenges and bring new drugs to market.

About Charles River

Charles River is a CRO specializing in early-stage research, offering a broad portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, supporting clients from target identification through preclinical development. With over 20,000 employees in 110 facilities across 20+ countries, we provide global resources and multidisciplinary solutions to reduce costs and accelerate drug development.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, recognizing all talent, and working daily toward this goal.