Lead Formulation Scientist - Novel Drug Delivery Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement savings

Professional growth

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Formulation Scientist for its Cape Town R&D division to lead development of novel drug delivery systems, including sustained and targeted therapies.

You will translate scientific concepts into scalable formulations, mentor junior staff, and drive cross-functional collaboration with process development, analytics and regulatory teams. Hybrid role with on-site lab work and strategic planning, offering growth and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.

Qualifications

• PhD or master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive pharmaceutical formulation development experience.
• Proven leadership of R&D projects from concept to preclinical/clinical stages.
• Expertise in oral, parenteral, and topical dosage forms; GMP/ICH knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation development of new pharmaceutical products, focusing on novel drug delivery systems (e.g., sustained release, targeted delivery).
• Design and execute studies to characterize drug substances and excipients, and optimize formulation performance.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for formulation stability, quality, and release profiles.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and identify innovative solutions to meet development objectives.
• Collaborate closely with process development, analytical sciences, and regulatory affairs teams to ensure seamless project progression.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior scientists and technicians within the formulation team.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders and regulatory submissions.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and regulatory trends in pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets effectively to achieve milestones.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through innovative formulation strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Education

PhD/ Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related

Tools

HPLC

Dissolution testing

Particle size analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering pharmaceutical company renowned for its cutting-edge research and development, is seeking a highly accomplished Lead Formulation Scientist to join their advanced R&D division based in Cape Town, Western Cape. This is a pivotal role where you will lead the development and optimization of innovative drug delivery systems, significantly impacting the efficacy and patient experience of novel therapeutics. You will be instrumental in translating scientific concepts into tangible product formulations, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate possesses a strong scientific background, extensive experience in pharmaceutical formulation, and a proven track record of leading complex R&D projects. This hybrid role requires a blend of on-site laboratory work and remote strategic planning and analysis, offering a balanced approach to productivity and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation development of new pharmaceutical products, focusing on novel drug delivery systems (e.g., sustained release, targeted delivery).
• Design and execute experimental studies to characterize drug substances and excipients, and to optimize formulation performance.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for the assessment of formulation stability, quality, and release profiles.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and identify innovative solutions to meet product development objectives.
• Collaborate closely with process development, analytical sciences, and regulatory affairs teams to ensure seamless project progression.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to junior scientists and technicians within the formulation team.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, documentation, and presentations for internal stakeholders and regulatory submissions.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements and regulatory trends in pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets effectively to achieve project milestones.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through innovative formulation strategies.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a strong emphasis on novel drug delivery systems.
• Proven experience in leading R&D projects from concept to preclinical/clinical stages.
• Expertise in various formulation techniques and dosage forms (e.g., oral, parenteral, topical).
• Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to pharmaceutical characterization (e.g., HPLC, dissolution testing, particle size analysis).
• Strong understanding of GMP principles and regulatory requirements (e.g., ICH guidelines).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation using statistical software.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and guide scientific staff.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement savings contributions.
• This role provides an exceptional opportunity for professional growth and development within a leading pharmaceutical research organization.
• You will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and cutting-edge technologies.
• The hybrid work model offers flexibility, balancing in-office collaboration with the benefits of remote work.
• Additional perks include educational assistance programs and opportunities to attend international scientific conferences.