Formulation Development Manager

Mackie Myers; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Mackie Myers is seeking an experienced Formulation Development Manager to join the Cambridge team. This hands‑on scientific leadership role combines formulation development for biologic drug products with client interaction, project delivery and people management in a collaborative R&D environment.

The successful candidate will lead development programmes, mentor junior scientists and drive strategic decision making while ensuring quality and regulatory compliance across studies.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent industry experience.
• Extensive experience in protein formulation development and/or protein analytical characterisation.
• Strong understanding of biotherapeutic development and formulation strategies.
• Experience leading client‑facing projects within CRO/CDMO or commercial R&D.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques such as SE‑HPLC, IEX, CE‑SDS and icIEF.
• Proven ability to analyse complex scientific data and translate findings into clear recommendations.
• Experience supervising, mentoring or developing scientists.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proactive, solutions‑focused approach with a passion for scientific excellence and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation development projects for biologic drug products, ensuring delivery to agreed timelines and scientific standards.
• Design, plan and oversee formulation and analytical studies, including complex investigations and novel approaches where required.
• Interpret, review and communicate experimental data, providing scientific direction and recommendations.
• Act as a scientific lead during client interactions, presenting findings and supporting programme strategy.
• Prepare and review study plans, technical reports, presentations and data packages.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, balancing scientific quality, client expectations and commercial objectives.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership, coaching and mentoring to junior scientists and direct reports.
• Review laboratory documentation, scientific data and reports to ensure quality and compliance standards.
• Support performance management, development planning and capability building across the team.
• Contribute to technology development, innovation initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Support proposal development, study design discussions and broader business development activities.
• Work collaboratively with cross‑functional scientific teams to deliver integrated client solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client interaction

Mentoring

Communication

Stakeholder management

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Biochemistry/ Chemistry/ Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

SE‑HPLC

IEX

CE‑SDS

icIEF

Job description

Our Client

Mackie Myers are partnering with an established and growing life sciences organisation that supports the development of innovative biologic therapies for clients across the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

Operating at the forefront of biopharmaceutical research, the organisation works with a diverse client base ranging from early-stage biotech companies and academic institutions through to large global pharmaceutical businesses. With continued investment in scientific capability and growth across its development functions, they are now seeking an experienced Formulation Development Manager to join their Cambridge-based team.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced formulation scientist to take on a hands‑on scientific leadership role, combining technical expertise, client interaction, project delivery and people management within a highly collaborative R&D environment.

The Role

Reporting into senior scientific leadership, the Formulation Development Manager will lead formulation development programmes across a broad portfolio of biologic drug products, acting as a key scientific contact for both internal stakeholders and external clients.

The successful candidate will remain actively involved in laboratory‑based research whilst providing leadership across project execution, technical decision‑making and team development. This role offers significant exposure to clients and commercial projects, alongside the opportunity to influence future technologies, methodologies and scientific capabilities within the wider business.

Main Duties

• Lead formulation development projects for biologic drug products, ensuring delivery to agreed timelines and scientific standards.
• Design, plan and oversee formulation and analytical studies, including complex investigations and novel approaches where required.
• Interpret, review and communicate experimental data, providing scientific direction and recommendations.
• Act as a scientific lead during client interactions, presenting findings and supporting programme strategy.
• Prepare and review study plans, technical reports, presentations and data packages.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, balancing scientific quality, client expectations and commercial objectives.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership, coaching and mentoring to junior scientists and direct reports.
• Review laboratory documentation, scientific data and reports to ensure quality and compliance standards are maintained.
• Support performance management, development planning and capability building across the team.
• Contribute to technology development, innovation initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Support proposal development, study design discussions and broader business development activities.
• Work collaboratively with cross‑functional scientific teams to deliver integrated client solutions.

The Successful Candidate

• PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related scientific discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Extensive experience within protein formulation development and/or protein analytical characterisation.
• Strong understanding of biotherapeutic development and formulation strategies for biologic drug products.
• Experience leading scientific projects within a client‑facing, CRO, CDMO or commercial R&D environment.
• Knowledge of analytical techniques such as SE‑HPLC, IEX, CE‑SDS and icIEF.
• Proven ability to analyse complex scientific data and translate findings into clear recommendations.
• Previous experience supervising, mentoring or developing scientists, or readiness to step into a formal management position.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with confidence presenting to clients and senior colleagues.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• A proactive, solutions‑focused approach with a passion for scientific excellence and innovation.

What's on Offer?

• Opportunity to join a highly respected organisation at the forefront of biologics development.
• A genuinely hands‑on leadership role combining science, project management and people development.
• Exposure to a wide variety of innovative client programmes across the drug development lifecycle.
• The chance to influence future technologies, capabilities and scientific strategy.
• A collaborative, supportive and scientifically driven culture.
• Excellent career progression opportunities within a growing and globally recognised business.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.