Lead Pharmaceutical Development Scientist (Hybrid Role)

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Annual bonus

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Research facilities

Relocation assistance

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, seeks a Principal Pharmaceutical Development Scientist to lead drug development from early R&D through clinical trials and commercialization in a hybrid work setting.

The role requires a PhD, 8+ years in pharmaceutical R&D, strong leadership, project management, and expertise in formulation, process development, and cGMP. You will mentor staff and collaborate across disciplines to accelerate timelines.

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline.
• 8+ years of progressive pharmaceutical R&D experience with leadership in projects.
• Expertise in formulation development, process optimization, and characterization of small molecules and/or biologics.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP and regulatory requirements (FDA/EMA).
• Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to pharmaceutical development.
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and team management skills.
• Outstanding communication and data presentation abilities.
• Experience working in a hybrid R&D environment and coordinating cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet demanding timelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead pharmaceutical development projects from preclinical formulation to clinical manufacturing support.
• Design and execute experiments to develop robust formulations for various dosage forms.
• Optimize manufacturing processes for scalability and reproducibility under cGMP.
• Develop and implement analytical methods to support formulation development and QC.
• Conduct and oversee stability studies to determine shelf-life and storage conditions.
• Provide scientific leadership to a team of development scientists and technicians.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners across disciplines and CROs/CMOs.
• Prepare and review technical documentation and regulatory submission components.
• Stay abreast of advances and regulatory trends in pharmaceutical development.
• Champion innovation and contribute to strategic direction of the pipeline.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Formulation development

Process optimization

Regulatory knowledge

cGMP

Analytical techniques

Communication

Hybrid work coordination

Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, seeks a Principal Pharmaceutical Development Scientist to lead drug development from early R&D through clinical trials and commercialization in a hybrid work setting.

The role requires a PhD, 8+ years in pharmaceutical R&D, strong leadership, project management, and expertise in formulation, process development, and cGMP. You will mentor staff and collaborate across disciplines to accelerate timelines.