Head of Drug Development & Formulation Science

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health/Dental/Vision insurance

Professional development

Advanced lab facilities

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton seeks a dynamic Lead Research Scientist to head pharmaceutical development, guiding formulation, characterization and stability studies. You will lead scientists, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and steer programs from discovery to stages close to IND submission.

The role requires a Ph.D. and 10+ years in pharma R&D, with at least 3 years in leadership. Outstanding collaboration and regulatory acumen are essential in this fast-paced setting in Sandton.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of pharmaceutical R&D experience with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge of formulation science, drug delivery systems, and analytical techniques for characterization.
• Proven experience leading drug development projects from early stage to IND submission.
• Strong regulatory knowledge for drug development.
• Excellent leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills in Sandton.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation development and optimization of small molecule and biologic candidates.
• Design and execute stability studies per ICH guidelines.
• Develop/validate analytical methods for drug products and impurities.
• Oversee pre-clinical formulation and drug delivery studies.
• Mentor and manage a team of formulation scientists; guide career development.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemistry, DMPK, and clinical teams to ensure project progression.

Skills

Formulation science

Drug delivery systems

Analytical techniques

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences/ Chemistry/ Chemical Engineering

Job description

Placements24 in Sandton seeks a dynamic Lead Research Scientist to head pharmaceutical development, guiding formulation, characterization and stability studies. You will lead scientists, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and steer programs from discovery to stages close to IND submission.

The role requires a Ph.D. and 10+ years in pharma R&D, with at least 3 years in leadership. Outstanding collaboration and regulatory acumen are essential in this fast-paced setting in Sandton.