Drug-Discovery Formulation Scientist | Hybrid & Growth

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid contribution

Retirement fund contribution

Laboratory facilities access

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist in Rustenburg, North West. The role focuses on designing, developing and scaling novel drug formulations, with hybrid work options and collaboration across R&D teams to translate discoveries into viable products.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences and 4+ years’ hands-on formulation experience, proficiency in HPLC/DSC/TGA/XRD, and strong documentation and cross-functional communication skills.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or related discipline
• 4+ years hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development
• Experience with dosage form designs and drug delivery technologies
• Proficiency in analytical techniques (HPLC, DSC, TGA, XRD, dissolution)
• Understanding of physicochemical properties of APIs and excipients
• Experience with formulation development software and stats tools
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Eligible to work in South Africa and relocate to Rustenburg area

Responsibilities

• Design and develop pharmaceutical formulations for dosage forms (oral solids, injectables, topicals)
• Conduct pre-formulation studies on APIs and excipients
• Optimize formulations for stability, bioavailability, manufacturability
• Perform formulation development experiments with various lab techniques
• Develop and validate analytical methods for formulation characterization and QC
• Prepare formulation development reports for regulatory submissions
• Collaborate with analytical, process development, and manufacturing teams for technology transfer
• Stay updated with literature and trends in formulation and drug delivery
• Contribute to project strategy and provide scientific expertise during development phases

Skills

Formulation development

Analytical methods

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

HPLC

DSC

TGA

XRD

Dissolution testing

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist in Rustenburg, North West. The role focuses on designing, developing and scaling novel drug formulations, with hybrid work options and collaboration across R&D teams to translate discoveries into viable products.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences and 4+ years’ hands-on formulation experience, proficiency in HPLC/DSC/TGA/XRD, and strong documentation and cross-functional communication skills.