Formulation Scientist - Oral Solid Dosage Forms

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Formulation Scientist for a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer in Soweto, Gauteng. You will join the Product Development team to develop innovative and generic oral solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules) and manage formulation design, pre-formulation studies, and scale-up.

Role focuses on developing high-quality medicines, collaborating with QA/QC and analytical teams, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline.
• 4–6 years hands-on experience in formulation development of oral solid dosage forms.
• In-depth knowledge of dosage form design and manufacturing for tablets/capsules.
• Experience with pre-formulation studies and excipient selection.
• Proficiency with analytical method development/validation for oral solids.
• Knowledge of cGMP and regulatory submission requirements.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience in Gauteng/Soweto advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop robust formulations for tablets and capsules.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies and assess API/excipient compatibility.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes (granulation, compression, coating, encapsulation).
• Run laboratory-scale experiments and pilot plant trials to evaluate formulation performance.
• Scale-up formulations from laboratory to pilot and commercial manufacturing scales, ensuring reproducibility.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for assessing drug product quality (dissolution, content uniformity, hardness).
• Collaborate with analytical, process, and QA/QC teams to ensure seamless product development and technology transfer.
• Prepare technical reports, formulation development summaries, and documentation for regulatory submissions.
• Troubleshoot formulation and process-related issues encountered during development.
• Stay informed about new technologies, excipients, and regulatory trends in oral solid dosage form development.
• Ensure all activities comply with cGMP and relevant regulatory guidelines.

Skills

Formulation development

Oral solid dosage forms

Analytical method development

Pre-formulation studies

Problem-solving

Education

Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or related discipline

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (preferred)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading Pharmaceutical manufacturer, is seeking a talented and driven Formulation Scientist to join their Product Development team in Soweto, Gauteng. This role focuses specifically on the development of innovative and generic oral solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules). The Formulation Scientist will be responsible for formulation design, pre-formulation studies, process development, and scale-up activities, ensuring the production of high-quality, stable, and bioavailable medications. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the Pharmaceutical industry and develop your career in Soweto. The company is committed to scientific excellence and improving access to essential medicines.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop robust formulations for oral solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules), considering factors such as API properties, bioavailability, and manufacturability.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to characterize APIs and excipients, understand compatibility, and determine critical quality attributes.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for oral solid dosage forms, including granulation, compression, coating, and encapsulation.
• Perform laboratory-scale experiments and pilot plant trials to evaluate formulation performance and process parameters.
• Scale-up formulations from laboratory to pilot and commercial manufacturing scales, ensuring reproducibility and consistency.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for assessing drug product quality (e.g., dissolution, content uniformity, hardness).
• Collaborate with analytical, process, and QA/QC teams to ensure seamless product development and technology transfer.
• Prepare technical reports, formulation development summaries, and documentation for regulatory submissions.
• Troubleshoot formulation and process-related issues encountered during development and scale-up.
• Stay informed about new technologies, excipients, and regulatory trends in oral solid dosage form development.
• Ensure all activities comply with cGMP and relevant regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 4-6 years of hands-on experience in the formulation development of oral solid dosage forms within the pharmaceutical industry.
• In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences, dosage form design, and manufacturing processes for tablets and capsules.
• Experience with pre-formulation studies, excipient selection, and compatibility assessments.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques for formulation development and characterization.
• Understanding of analytical method development and validation for oral solids.
• Familiarity with cGMP regulations and regulatory submission requirements.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience working within the Gauteng region, particularly Soweto, is advantageous.
• Knowledge of generic drug development processes is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development and career growth within the Pharmaceutical industry. This role is based in Soweto, Gauteng, providing a dynamic and rewarding work environment. Join a team dedicated to developing high-quality medicines and making a difference in patient health.