Formulation Scientist - Pharmaceutical Development

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off

Relocation assistance

Access to advanced lab equipment

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng seeks a Formulation Scientist to contribute to an innovative drug development pipeline. You will design, develop, and optimize pharmaceutical formulations across dosage forms, collaborating with analytical development, process chemistry, and regulatory teams to advance candidates from early development to commercialization.

The role requires 4+ years of hands-on formulation experience, knowledge of drug delivery systems, and proficiency with analytical techniques (HPLC,

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of drug delivery systems, excipient science, and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to pharmaceutical product characterization.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA) pertaining to drug product development.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to interpret complex scientific data.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities, essential for interdepartmental collaboration.
• Experience with solid dosage forms and/or sterile injectables is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experimental studies for the development of various pharmaceutical dosage forms (e.g., oral solids, injectables, topicals).
• Characterize pre-formulation properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients.
• Optimize formulation composition and manufacturing processes to achieve desired product performance characteristics.
• Conduct stability studies to assess the shelf-life and degradation pathways of formulated products.
• Utilize various analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC, dissolution testing, particle size analysis) for formulation characterization and quality control.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, study protocols, and documentation for regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and scale-up teams to ensure successful technology transfer to production.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and regulatory trends in pharmaceutical formulation.

Skills

Drug delivery knowledge

Analytical data interpretation

Team collaboration

Education

MSc or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GC

Dissolution testing

Particle size analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a cutting-edge pharmaceutical company based in Tembisa, Gauteng, seeking a talented and dedicated Formulation Scientist to contribute to their innovative drug development pipeline. This role is critical in designing, developing, and optimizing pharmaceutical formulations for various dosage forms, ensuring product efficacy, safety, and stability. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams, including analytical development, process chemistry, and regulatory affairs, to advance drug candidates from early-stage development through to commercialization. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in the pharmaceutical industry and be part of a company committed to improving global health through scientific excellence. We pride ourselves on a stimulating work environment that encourages creativity and rigorous scientific inquiry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experimental studies for the development of various pharmaceutical dosage forms (e.g., oral solids, injectables, topicals).
• Characterize pre-formulation properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients.
• Optimize formulation composition and manufacturing processes to achieve desired product performance characteristics.
• Conduct stability studies to assess the shelf-life and degradation pathways of formulated products.
• Utilize various analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, GC, dissolution testing, particle size analysis) for formulation characterization and quality control.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, study protocols, and documentation for regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and scale-up teams to ensure successful technology transfer to production.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and regulatory trends in pharmaceutical formulation.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of drug delivery systems, excipient science, and manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to pharmaceutical product characterization.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA) pertaining to drug product development.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to interpret complex scientific data.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities, essential for interdepartmental collaboration.
• Experience with solid dosage forms and/or sterile injectables is highly desirable.
• Must be able to work effectively in a lab environment in Tembisa, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional conferences.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Relocation assistance may be available.
• Access to advanced laboratory equipment and technologies.
• A vibrant and inclusive company culture that values innovation and employee well-being.