Lead Formulation Scientist - Solid Dosage Forms

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary + annual bonus

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a distinguished Lead Formulation Scientist in Cape Town to spearhead solid dosage form development from concept to commercialization. You will lead a team, design pre-formulation studies, and ensure scalable, high-quality oral dosage forms through cross-functional collaboration.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD/masters in pharmaceutical sciences with 7+ years in formulation development, strong cGMP knowledge, and proven leadership for a dynamic R&D environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in pharmaceutical formulation development, with solid oral dosage focus.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities for a scientific team.
• Extensive knowledge of cGMP principles and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation development of solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules) from early-stage research through tech transfer.
• Design pre-formulation studies, characterize APIs, improve solubility, and assess excipient compatibility.
• Develop robust, scalable formulations meeting product profiles for bioavailability, stability and manufacturability.
• Oversee pilot-scale batches, troubleshoot formulation/process issues, and mentor junior staff.
• Collaborate with analytical development, manufacturing sciences, QA, and regulatory teams; manage CROs as needed.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious pharmaceutical entity in Cape Town, Western Cape , is actively seeking a distinguished Lead Formulation Scientist to spearhead the development of innovative solid dosage forms. This senior position is crucial for driving the formulation strategy and execution of new product development projects, from concept to commercialization. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of pharmaceutical sciences, particularly in the design, development, and scale-up of tablets and capsules. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of oral drug delivery systems within a supportive and technologically advanced environment. You will be responsible for leading a team of dedicated scientists and collaborating with various departments to ensure the successful launch of high-quality pharmaceutical products. The dynamic coastal city of Cape Town provides an inspiring backdrop for this challenging and rewarding career opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the formulation development of solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules) from early-stage research through to technology transfer. Design and execute pre-formulation studies, including API characterization, solubility enhancement, and excipient compatibility. Develop robust and scalable formulations that meet target product profiles for bioavailability, stability, and manufacturability. Oversee pilot-scale manufacturing batches and troubleshoot formulation and process-related issues. Collaborate closely with analytical development, manufacturing sciences, and quality assurance teams. Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior formulation scientists and technicians. Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory requirements related to solid dosage form development. Author and review formulation development reports, protocols, and regulatory submission documents. Manage external contract research organizations (CROs) for specific formulation development activities.

Requirements

Master's or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline. A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a significant focus on solid oral dosage forms. Demonstrated expertise in various unit operations involved in solid dosage form manufacturing (e.g., granulation, compression, coating). Strong knowledge of excipient functionality and selection. Experience with different types of tablet and capsule manufacturing equipment. Proven ability to lead and mentor a scientific team. Excellent understanding of cGMP principles and regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA). Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration. Experience with novel drug delivery systems is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive base salary, annual bonus, and comprehensive health and retirement benefits. Professional development is highly valued, with opportunities for advanced training and conference attendance. The company is committed to work-life balance and offers generous paid time off. Working in the beautiful city of Cape Town provides access to stunning natural landscapes, a vibrant cultural scene, and excellent amenities. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to improving global health.