Lead Formulation Scientist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Bonus potential

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks a Lead Formulation Scientist to drive drug development, overseeing formulation strategies for small molecules and biologics. You will lead experimental programs, ensure stability and bioavailability, and collaborate with analytical, process development, and regulatory teams.

The role requires a Ph.D. and 6+ years in formulation development, with strong leadership and project management skills. A hybrid work model is offered in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 6+ years of progressive formulation development experience in pharma/biotech.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation development projects for various dosage forms (oral, injectable, topical).
• Design and execute experiments to develop and characterize dosage forms and excipients.
• Conduct stability studies and physicochemical characterization of drug products.
• Mentor junior scientists and guide professional development.
• Prepare formulation development reports and regulatory documents.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative biopharmaceutical company, is seeking an experienced Lead Formulation Scientist to drive forward their drug development pipeline. This position is located at our state-of-the-art research campus in the picturesque region of Stellenbosch, Western Cape . The successful candidate will lead the development of novel drug formulations, ensuring optimal stability, bioavailability, and efficacy of therapeutic compounds. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a deep understanding of pharmaceutics, drug delivery systems, and formulation development, combined with strong leadership and project management skills. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of drug delivery and contribute significantly to patient well-being.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead formulation development projects for small molecules, biologics, or other therapeutic modalities.
• Design and execute experiments to develop and characterize various dosage forms (e.g., oral, injectable, topical).
• Investigate and implement advanced drug delivery technologies and excipient selection.
• Conduct stability studies, pre-formulation assessments, and physicochemical characterization of drug products.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and optimize processes for scalability and manufacturability.
• Collaborate closely with analytical chemistry, process development, and regulatory affairs teams.
• Prepare comprehensive formulation development reports, regulatory submission documents, and patent applications.
• Mentor junior scientists and guide them in their professional development.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in formulation science and pharmaceutical technology.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in formulation development within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proven expertise in oral and/or parenteral dosage form development.
• Strong understanding of drug physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and biopharmaceutics.
• Hands-on experience with formulation characterization techniques and analytical methods relevant to drug products.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, manage timelines, and mentor team members.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a strategic approach to formulation development.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in preparing technical reports and regulatory documents.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory guidelines.
• Experience with lyophilization or other specialized delivery systems is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a generous performance-based bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. We provide significant opportunities for professional development, supporting attendance at key scientific conferences and continuous learning. Employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art facilities, a collaborative and innovative research environment, and the satisfaction of contributing to life-changing therapies. This role offers a hybrid work model, balancing essential on-site laboratory work with remote flexibility. Join our talented team in Stellenbosch and make a tangible impact on the future of medicine.