Lead Formulation Scientist

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium medical aid

Annual bonus

Retirement fund

Development funding for courses

Generous annual leave

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Formulation Scientist based in George, Western Cape. You will drive development of novel pharmaceutical formulations from concept through commercialization and oversee a team of scientists to ensure quality and patient safety.

Qualifications include a Master’s or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences (or related field) and at least 7 years in formulation development, with strong GMP/regulatory knowledge and leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of formulation scientists.

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a globally recognized pharmaceutical entity seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Formulation Scientist to drive cutting-edge drug delivery systems from conception to commercialization. This pivotal role, based in George, Western Cape , will involve leading a team of talented scientists in the development of novel pharmaceutical formulations. You will be responsible for translating complex scientific challenges into viable product solutions, ensuring efficacy, safety, and patient compliance. The successful candidate will possess a strong background in pharmaceutical sciences, with a deep understanding of formulation development principles, excipient selection, and manufacturing processes. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking organization, shaping the future of pharmaceutical product development in George, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of formulation scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific excellence.
• Develop and optimize novel pharmaceutical formulations for various dosage forms (oral, injectable, topical, etc.).
• Design and conduct pre-formulation studies, including solubility, stability, and compatibility assessments.
• Characterize drug products using a range of analytical techniques to ensure quality and performance.
• Oversee the scale-up of formulations from laboratory to pilot and commercial manufacturing.
• Collaborate with regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and quality control departments to ensure project success.
• Prepare detailed technical documentation, including formulation development reports and submission dossiers.
• Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory guidelines relevant to formulation science.
• Troubleshoot and resolve formulation and manufacturing-related issues.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Demonstrated experience in leading scientific projects and managing teams.
• Expertise in various dosage forms and drug delivery technologies (e.g., controlled release, nanoparticles).
• Proficiency in analytical techniques commonly used in formulation development (e.g., DSC, TGA, XRPD, particle size analysis).
• Strong understanding of GMP, regulatory requirements (FDA, EMA), and ICH guidelines.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and make sound scientific judgments.
• Experience working in a pharmaceutical R&D environment in the Western Cape region is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits program designed to support our employees' health, financial well-being, and professional growth. This includes premium medical aid coverage, a generous annual bonus structure, and a robust retirement fund. We provide ample opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement, including funding for professional development courses, conference attendance, and internal training programs. Employees enjoy significant annual leave and access to wellness initiatives. This role provides a chance to be part of a leading pharmaceutical company with a strong commitment to innovation and employee satisfaction.