Formulation Scientist - Solid Dosage Forms

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance incentives

Medical benefits

Retirement plan

Growth opportunities

Lab access

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Formulation Scientist (solid dosage forms) to join its Port Elizabeth-based Product Development team. You will drive design, development, and optimization of oral solid dosage formulations, including pre-formulation, formulation, process development, and scale-up activities.

The ideal candidate holds an MSc or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences and at least four years in tablet/capsule development, with deep knowledge of excipients, drug-excipient compatibility, and GMP-driven

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or related field.
• 4+ years experience in pharmaceutical formulation development for solid dosage forms.
• Knowledge of excipient functionality and powder technology.
• Experience with GMP and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute pre-formulation studies for tablets and capsules.
• Develop solid dosage formulations considering target product profile.
• Optimize drug release, stability, and bioavailability.
• Plan technology transfer from lab to pilot scale and manufacturing.
• Characterize formulations using analytical techniques and interpret results.

Skills

Analytical skills

GMP knowledge

Problem solving

Education

MSc or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

Tablet presses

Dissolution testers

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented Formulation Scientist specializing in solid dosage forms to join their Product Development team in Port Elizabeth . This role is essential for the design, development, and optimization of stable, effective, and manufacturable oral solid dosage formulations. You will be involved in pre-formulation studies, formulation development, process development, and scale-up activities. The ideal candidate possesses extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences, excipients, drug delivery systems, and manufacturing processes related to tablets and capsules, aiming to bring innovative and high-quality medicinal products to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute pre-formulation studies to understand drug substance properties relevant to formulation development.
• Develop novel and generic oral solid dosage formulations (tablets, capsules) considering drug properties, target product profile, and manufacturability.
• Optimize formulations to achieve desired drug release profiles, stability, and bioavailability.
• Conduct process development and optimization studies for granulation, compression, coating, and other relevant unit operations.
• Plan and execute technology transfer activities from lab to pilot scale and commercial manufacturing.
• Characterize formulations using appropriate analytical techniques and interpret results to guide development.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, specifically with solid dosage forms .
• Deep understanding of excipient functionality, drug-excipient compatibility, and powder technology.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment for formulation preparation and characterization (e.g., tablet presses, dissolution testers).
• Knowledge of GMP principles and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to solve complex formulation challenges.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
• Access to advanced formulation development and analytical laboratories.
• A collaborative and innovative research environment focused on developing new medicines.