Lead Biologics Formulation Scientist

Placements24; Cape Town; Presencial; ZAR 1.200.000 - 1.800.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Medical coverage

Retirement fund

Professional development

Cutting-edge laboratory equipment

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 seeks a Lead Biologics Formulation Scientist for its Cape Town, Western Cape facility. You will head formulation development for biologics, guiding studies from early development to commercialization and collaborating across teams to ensure stability, efficacy, and manufacturability.

The role requires a Ph.D./Master’s in a relevant field with 7+ years in pharmaceutical formulation, strong protein chemistry and parenteral formulation experience, and proven leadership.

Formación

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Pharmaceutics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a significant focus on biologics.
• Demonstrated expertise in formulating therapeutic proteins, antibodies, or other large molecules.
• Hands-on experience with biophysical characterization methods and interpretation of results.
• Strong understanding of protein degradation pathways and stabilization strategies.
• Experience with parenteral dosage forms and associated manufacturing processes.
• Proven leadership skills and experience managing scientific projects and/or teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

Responsabilidades

• Lead the formulation development strategy for new biologic drug candidates, including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and vaccines.
• Design and execute formulation studies to ensure product stability, efficacy, and manufacturability.
• Develop and optimize formulations for various delivery routes, including subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous.
• Utilize biophysical characterization techniques to understand protein behavior in solution and solid states.
• Perform forced degradation studies and mitigate degradation pathways.
• Troubleshoot formulation-related issues and guide manufacturing and process development teams.
• Collaborate with analytical development to establish specifications and release methods.
• Manage external CROs for formulation development activities.
• Mentor junior scientists within the formulation team.
• Prepare reports and contribute to regulatory filings.

Conocimientos

Biologics formulation

Protein chemistry

Biophysical characterization

Leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Educación

Ph.D./Master's in Pharmaceutics/ Biochemistry/ Chemistry/ Chemical Engineering

Herramientas

DLS

DSC

CD spectroscopy

HPLC

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized pharmaceutical leader, is seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Biologics Formulation Scientist to join their state-of-the-art facility in Cape Town, Western Cape. This critical role will lead the formulation development of complex biologic drug products, from early-stage development through to commercialization. You will be responsible for designing and optimizing stable, effective, and patient-centric formulations for a range of therapeutic proteins and antibodies. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of life-changing medicines within a high-energy, collaborative research and development environment in Cape Town. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of protein chemistry, biophysical characterization techniques, and formulation strategies for parenteral delivery systems. We are looking for a scientific leader who can guide a team and drive innovation in formulation science, ensuring the highest quality standards are met. The successful applicant will play a key part in shaping the future of our client's biologics pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation development strategy for new biologic drug candidates, including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and vaccines.
• Design and execute formulation studies to ensure product stability, efficacy, and manufacturability.
• Develop and optimize formulations for various delivery routes, including subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous.
• Utilize a wide range of biophysical characterization techniques (e.g., DLS, DSC, CD spectroscopy, HPLC) to understand protein behavior in solution and solid states.
• Perform forced degradation studies and develop strategies to mitigate degradation pathways.
• Troubleshoot formulation-related issues and provide scientific expertise to manufacturing and process development teams.
• Collaborate with analytical development to establish appropriate specifications and release methods.
• Manage external contract research organizations (CROs) for specific formulation development activities.
• Stay current with scientific advancements and industry trends in biologics formulation and drug delivery.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists within the formulation team.
• Prepare technical reports, summaries, and contribute to regulatory filings.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a significant focus on biologics.
• Demonstrated expertise in formulating therapeutic proteins, antibodies, or other large molecules.
• Hands-on experience with biophysical characterization methods and interpretation of results.
• Strong understanding of protein degradation pathways and stabilization strategies.
• Experience with parenteral dosage forms (e.g., solutions, suspensions, lyophilized products) and associated manufacturing processes.
• Proven leadership skills and experience managing scientific projects and/or teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Experience with regulatory requirements for biologics is a plus.
• Proficiency in relevant software for data analysis and scientific documentation.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, a performance-based bonus structure, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, and an excellent retirement fund.
• Employees enjoy generous vacation time, professional development opportunities, and access to cutting-edge laboratory equipment in our modern Cape Town facility.
• We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and scientific excellence, providing a work environment that encourages growth and collaboration.
• This role presents a significant career advancement opportunity within a thriving pharmaceutical sector.
• Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be provided during the interview process.
• Our client also provides support for ongoing education and participation in key industry conferences.