Research Lead (Formulation Sciences), London

isomorphiclabs; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Isomorphic Labs seeks a Formulation expert to advance drug discovery programmes, leading (pre)-formulation strategies for small molecules across discovery and preclinical development. You will collaborate with drug design, CMC and preclinical teams to drive progress.

Ultimately you will refine formulation technologies, oversee stability studies, and contribute to regulatory submissions in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in pharmaceutical science or equivalent with industry experience
• Expertise in oral solid dosage form development
• Experience supporting IND submissions
• Strong knowledge of ICH and FDA guidelines

Responsibilities

• Develop (pre)-formulation strategies for small molecules across discovery to preclinical development
• Design formulation technologies to improve solubility and stability
• Lead stability studies and in-process controls for product performance
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support regulatory submissions

Skills

Biotech/pharma experience

Oral solid dosage development

IND submission support

Preformulation

ICH/FDA knowledge

Communication skills

Education

PhD in pharmaceutical science

Job description

About Iso

Isomorphic Labs (IsoLabs) was launched in 2021 to advance human health by building on and beyond the Nobel-winning AlphaFold system. Since then, our interdisciplinary team of drug discovery experts and machine learning specialists has built powerful new predictive and generative AI models that accelerate scientific discovery at digital speed.

Our name comes from the belief that there is an underlying symmetry between biology and information science. By harnessing AI's powerful capabilities, we can use it to model complex biological phenomena to help design novel molecules, anticipate how drugs will perform and develop innovative medicines to treat and cure some of the world's most devastating diseases.

We have built a world‑leading drug design engine comprising AI models that are capable of working across multiple therapeutic areas and drug modalities. We are continually innovating on model architecture and developing cutting‑edge capabilities to advance rational drug design.

Every day, and with each new breakthrough, we're getting closer to the promise of digital biology, and achieving our ambitious mission to one day solve all disease with the help of AI.

Your impact

As part of the ongoing expansion of our Drug Design and Medical Research function (DDMR), we are looking to recruit a Formulation expert keen to impact drug discovery project.

You will be supporting the business alongside world leading AI/ML Drug Design Platform teams. You will collaborate to deliver scientific expertise and strategic direction to drive both improvements in the Platform and apply this to real drug design projects.

As a member of the DPC and Preclinical formulation team, you will be responsible for supporting the rapid progression of multiple drug discovery/DPC and preclinical development projects by providing (pre)-formulation expertise to the program team leveraging significant external CRO resources.

If you are a skilled and ambitious scientist looking to take the next step in your career, joining the Isomorphic Labs now will lift you out of your comfort zone and provide you with an amazing opportunity for personal growth and development.

What you will do

• Develop and execute comprehensive (pre)-formulation strategies for small molecules across the drug discovery and preclinical development lifecycle working closely with the drug design, pre-clinical and CMC function.
• Design and refine innovative formulation technologies, such as solid dispersions and co-crystals, to optimise solubility, stability, and manufacturability.
• Develop and interpret stability studies utilising ICH and ASAP methodologies, while implementing rigorous in-process controls to ensure product performance.
• Collaborate across multi-disciplinary preclinical teams to deliver seamless and integrated solutions.
• Author technical reports, protocols, and regulatory submissions in strict alignment with internal policies and global regulatory requirements.

Skills and qualifications

Essential:

• PhD in pharmaceutical science, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of professional experience within a biotech or pharma setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in the development of oral solid dosage forms.
• Demonstrated experience of supporting IND packages.
• Deep technical proficiency in preformulation, manufacturing processes, and the implementation of advanced drug delivery technologies.
• Rigorous understanding of global regulatory guidelines, including ICH and FDA.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal and influencing skills, with an ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, collaborative team environment.

Nice to have:

• Specialised knowledge and practical experience in the development of amorphous dispersions is highly advantageous.

Culture and values

• Thoughtful Thoughtful at Iso is about curiosity, creativity and care. It is about good people doing good, rigorous and future-making science every single day.
• Brave Brave at Iso is about fearlessness, but it's also about initiative and integrity. The scale of th