Formulation Scientist - Pharmaceutical Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Comprehensive healthcare

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg is seeking an innovative Formulation Scientist to join our Pharmaceutical Development team. You will help design, develop, and optimize drug formulations from concept through technology transfer and clinical material manufacturing.

The ideal candidate holds an MS or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or Chemical Engineering with 5+ years of hands-on formulation experience, strong DoE skills, and practical knowledge of HPLC, DSC, TGA and XRPD.

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• In-depth knowledge of formulation principles, drug delivery systems, and material science.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel pharmaceutical formulations (tablets, capsules, injectables, topicals).
• Conduct pre-formulation studies including API characterization, solubility, and stability assessments.
• Utilize Design of Experiments (DoE) to optimize formulation parameters and manufacturing processes.
• Characterize and evaluate physical and chemical properties of drug products using analytical techniques.
• Prepare technical reports, development summaries, and technology transfer documentation for manufacturing sites.
• Collaborate with analytical development, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams to ensure project success.

Skills

Pharmaceutical formulation development

DOE principles

Drug delivery systems

Analytical methods (HPLC DSC TGA XRPD)

Problem-solving

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences or Chemical Engineering

Tools

HPLC

DSC

TGA

XRPD

Job description

About the Role Our client is seeking an innovative and experienced Formulation Scientist to join their Pharmaceutical Development department in Rustenburg. This role is central to the formulation and development of new pharmaceutical products, from early-stage concept to technology transfer and clinical trial material manufacturing. You will play a key role in designing, developing, and optimizing robust drug delivery systems, ensuring product efficacy, stability, and manufacturability. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled scientist to make a significant impact within a leading pharmaceutical organization in the North West province, contributing to the pipeline of life-changing medications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables, topicals) for various therapeutic areas.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, including API characterization, solubility, and stability assessments.
• Utilize DoE (Design of Experiments) principles to optimize formulation parameters and manufacturing processes.
• Characterize and evaluate the physical and chemical properties of drug products using various analytical techniques.
• Prepare technical reports, development summaries, and technology transfer documentation for manufacturing sites.
• Collaborate with analytical development, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams to ensure project success.

Requirements

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• In-depth knowledge of formulation principles, drug delivery systems, and material science.
• Proficiency with common laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, DSC, TGA, XRPD).
• Experience with solid dosage forms and/or parenteral formulations is highly desirable.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a systematic approach to experimental design and data interpretation.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and annual bonus.
• Comprehensive healthcare, disability, and life insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off and company-observed holidays.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment in Rustenburg, fostering scientific curiosity and innovation.