Sr. Scientist - Formulation Development

Nivagen Pharmaceuticals; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off plan

Yearly bonus eligibility

Job summary

Nivagen Pharmaceuticals in Sacramento, CA, is seeking a Sr. Scientist - Formulation Development to lead the development and optimization of complex injectable and sterile drug products from early research through commercialization.

The role blends formulation science with DOE, QbD, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver robust, regulatorily compliant products while mentoring team members and supporting scale-up and technology transfer.

Qualifications

• PhD or postgraduate degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with focus on sterile and injectable products.
• Strong knowledge of formulation science, excipients, and drug delivery systems for sterile products.
• DOE, data analysis, and interpretation of results; proven ability to advance formulations to commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimization of complex injectable and sterile dosage forms from feasibility to commercial readiness.
• Develop risk-based formulation strategies using QbD and FDA guidance to ensure robust products.
• Apply knowledge of 505(b)(2) and ANDA pathways and 503B outsourcing requirements as applicable.
• Design, execute, and interpret DOE studies to meet project objectives.
• Collaborate with Technical Services, Operations, and Regulatory Affairs to enable scale-up and technology transfer.
• Provide complete formulation development data and regulatory-quality documentation within timelines.

Skills

Design of Experiments

Quality by Design

Statistical analysis

Scientific leadership

Education

PhD in Pharmacy

Job description

Nivagen is a global company dedicated to enhancing lives by developing and providing cost-effective generic prescription drugs and over-the-counter products for the North American market. For over a decade, we've remained steadfast in our commitment to core values of excellence, integrity, and respect for people. Our team of professionals collaborates tirelessly to pioneer advancements in manufacturing, distribution, and quality control, ensuring a holistic approach to healthcare. Through vertical integration of the pharmaceutical supply chain, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering dedication to excellence, we continually strive to redefine medication accessibility and affordability. We prioritize our employees' well-being by offering competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and robust training and development opportunities. By investing in our workforce and fostering a culture of growth and support, we empower our team to drive innovation and make a positive impact in the healthcare industry. At Nivagen, our mission is clear: to make a meaningful difference in people's lives by delivering high-quality, affordable medications while upholding the highest standards of integrity and excellence.

Job Type:

Full Time

About the Job:

Title of the Position: Sr. Scientist - Formulation Development

We are seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to lead the development and optimization of complex injectable and sterile drug products, from early-stage research through commercialization. This hands‑on scientific role combines formulation expertise, experimental design, and technical problem-solving with cross‑functional collaboration. The successful candidate will develop scientifically sound formulation strategies, deliver high-quality technical documentation, and mentor team members to advance development programs

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of complex injectable and sterile dosage forms, from formulation feasibility through commercial readiness.
• Develop risk‑based formulation strategies using Quality by Design (QbD) principles and applicable FDA guidance to establish robust, reproducible drug products.
• Apply knowledge of 505(b)(2) and Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) development pathways, as well as Section 503B outsourcing requirements, as applicable to each program.
• Design, execute, and interpret formulation studies using statistical design of experiments (DOE), including factorial designs, to resolve technical challenges and achieve project objectives.
• Partner with Technical Services, Operations, and Regulatory Affairs to align development activities, support scale‑up and technology transfer, and resolve formulation‑related manufacturing challenges.
• Deliver accurate, complete formulation development data and supporting documentation within agreed project timelines for regulatory submissions.
• Monitor relevant FDA requirements and regulatory guidance, assess their impact on development programs, and incorporate applicable updates into project activities.
• Provide scientific leadership and hands‑on mentorship to team members in experimental design, data interpretation, and formulation troubleshooting.
• Evaluate emerging formulation technologies and scientific advances for their potential to improve product performance and development efficiency.
• Author and review study protocols, technical reports, and formulation‑related regulatory documents; communicate findings and recommendations to cross‑functional stakeholders.

Education/Experience:

• Ph. D. or postgraduate degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• At least 7 years of hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a focus on sterile and injectable drug products.
• Strong knowledge of formulation science, excipient selection, and drug delivery systems relevant to sterile and injectable products.
• Hands‑on proficiency with formulation development techniques and laboratory equipment used for sterile and injectable dosage forms.
• Demonstrated success advancing pharmaceutical formulations through development and commercialization.
• Practical experience in statistical design of experiments (DOE), data analysis, and interpretation of experimental results.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to translate scientific findings into actionable formulation strategies and communicate technical conclusions clearly.
• Strong scientific leadership, project management, and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize activities and meet project milestones.
• Expertise in complex injectable and sterile dosage form development, including the ability to identify formulation risks and evaluate scientifically justified solutions.
• Ability to conduct independent research, troubleshoot complex technical problems, and collaborate effectively across functions.

Requirements:

• Must live in or be willing to move to the Sacramento Metropolitan Region (approximately 40 miles in radius).
• Pay range $115,000- $140,000 per Year (Based on Experience)
• Yearly bonus eligibility
• Benefits: Nivagen offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well‑being
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Paid time off plan

Additional Information:

Nivagen to afford equal opportunity for employment to all individuals regardless of race, color, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, history of disability, ancestry, citizenship status, political affiliation, religion, gender, transgender, gender identity, marital status, status as a parent, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information or other factors prohibited by law, and to prohibit harassment or retaliation based on any of these factors.