Formulation Scientist - Drug Product Development

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and wellness benefits

Modern research facilities

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Formulation Scientist to design and develop drug formulations for diverse dosage forms in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. The role encompasses pre-formulation work, stability assessments, and scalable manufacturing considerations.

You will collaborate across analytical, manufacturing, and regulatory teams to advance products from concept toward clinical readiness. The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field with 5+ years in formulation

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Experience with tablets, capsules, and sterile injectables.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop drug formulations for various dosage forms.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to characterize drug substances and excipients.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for formulation characterization.
• Plan pilot scale-up trials and support tech transfer activities.
• Prepare reports and regulatory submissions (IND, NDA) and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Pharmaceutics

Formulation development

Analytical characterization

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field

Tools

Scale-up techniques

Technology transfer

Job description

About the Role Our client, a dynamic pharmaceutical company focused on delivering innovative healthcare solutions, is seeking a talented Formulation Scientist to join their Drug Product Development team. This role is based in the scenic coastal town of Mossel Bay, Western Cape. The Formulation Scientist will be responsible for the design, development, and optimization of stable and effective drug formulations for various dosage forms. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on novel pharmaceutical products from concept to clinical trial readiness. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a strong scientific background in pharmaceutics and a passion for drug delivery innovation. You will be contributing to projects that aim to improve patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel drug formulations (e.g., oral solids, injectables, topical) for new chemical entities (NCEs) and generic products.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to characterize drug substances and excipients.
• Prepare and evaluate prototype formulations for physical and chemical stability, dissolution, and other critical quality attributes.
• Optimize formulations to enhance bioavailability, stability, and manufacturability.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for formulation characterization.
• Plan and execute formulation development studies, including pilot scale-up trials.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation for regulatory submissions (e.g., IND, NDA), and presentations.
• Collaborate with analytical, manufacturing, and regulatory teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Stay updated on new drug delivery technologies and formulation science advancements.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Proven experience in developing various dosage forms (e.g., tablets, capsules, sterile injectables).
• Strong understanding of physical pharmacy, materials science, and drug delivery principles.
• Proficiency in formulation development techniques and analytical characterization methods.
• Experience with scale-up and technology transfer activities is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document scientific findings.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and development. Employees will have access to modern research facilities and the chance to work on exciting new pharmaceutical products. The company fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, where contributions are recognized and rewarded. This role is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in drug product development within a supportive and growth-oriented organization.