Senior Formulation Scientist - Drug Delivery Systems

Placements24; United States; Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Formulation Scientist to lead development of advanced drug formulations in a hybrid role based in Paarl, Western Cape. You will guide projects from concept through pre-clinical support, collaborating with analytical, pre-clinical and clinical teams to push innovative delivery technologies forward.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or MSc in pharmaceutical sciences with 6+ years of hands-on formulation experience, including liposomes or nanoparticles, and has strong

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of hands-on pharmaceutical formulation development experience.
• Experience with liposomes, nanoparticles, or controlled-release technologies is highly desirable.
• Hybrid work model requiring lab presence in Paarl, Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation development of dosage forms including oral solids, injectables, and novel systems.
• Design and execute pre-formulation studies and excipient compatibility assessments.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for drug products.
• Characterize formulated products using analytical techniques (dissolution, particle size, rheology).
• Conduct stability studies and analyze data to establish shelf-life.

Skills

Formulation development

Pharmaceutical sciences

Analytical techniques

Problem solving

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences

M.S. in Pharmaceutics

Tools

HPLC

DLS

Dissolution testing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive biopharmaceutical company renowned for its innovative drug delivery technologies, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Formulation Scientist to join their dynamic team in Paarl, Western Cape, ZA . This role is central to the development of novel drug formulations and advanced drug delivery systems, aiming to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. You will lead formulation development projects, from early-stage concept through to pre-clinical and clinical trial support. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences, formulation techniques, and characterization of drug products, particularly for complex delivery systems. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, blending essential laboratory-based research with remote work flexibility. We foster a collaborative and innovative environment where scientific expertise is paramount. Join us in pioneering the next generation of pharmaceutical treatments and making a significant impact on patient lives through advanced scientific research and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation development of various dosage forms, including oral solids, injectables, and novel delivery systems (e.g., nanoparticles, liposomes).
• Design and execute pre-formulation studies, solubility enhancement techniques, and excipient compatibility assessments.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for drug products.
• Characterize formulated products using a range of analytical techniques (e.g., dissolution testing, particle size analysis, rheology).
• Conduct stability studies and analyze data to establish product shelf-life.
• Troubleshoot formulation and process-related issues.
• Collaborate closely with analytical development, pre-clinical, and clinical teams.
• Stay updated on emerging trends and technologies in drug delivery and pharmaceutical formulation.
• Author technical reports, development protocols, and contribute to regulatory filings.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance on formulation development.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Proven experience in developing various dosage forms, with a strong preference for expertise in novel drug delivery systems.
• In-depth knowledge of physical chemistry principles relevant to drug formulation.
• Proficiency with common formulation development and characterization techniques.
• Experience with GMP manufacturing principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Must be able to work effectively in a hybrid model, commuting to Paarl, Western Cape, ZA for laboratory work and team meetings.
• Experience with liposomes, nanoparticles, or controlled-release technologies is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and continued education.
• Access to state-of-the‑art formulation development laboratories.
• Dynamic and collaborative research environment.
• Potential for career advancement.
• Employee assistance program.
• Contribution to developing life-changing medicines.