Lead Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist — Durban

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical benefits and retirement plans

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist for its Durban facility. This senior role leads a team to design, develop, and optimize diverse dosage forms and drug delivery systems, from pre-formulation to commercialization.

You will guide cross-functional teams, ensure cGMP compliance, and manage timelines and budgets while advancing innovative formulations and regulatory submissions in the South African context.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8–10 years in pharmaceutical formulation development with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Extensive knowledge of dosage forms and drug delivery systems.
• Proven experience in pre-formulation, formulation design, process development, and scale-up.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques (HPLC, dissolution testing, particle size analysis) and solid-state characterization.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (FDA, EMA, SAHPRA) for drug product development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of formulation scientists, fostering a collaborative R&D environment.
• Design, develop, and optimize novel pharmaceutical formulations for small molecules and biologics.
• Oversee pre-formulation studies, including solubility, stability, and excipient compatibility.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for product characterization.
• Plan and execute formulation development studies including pilot-scale manufacturing and tech transfer.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP and regulatory guidelines; collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Prepare and review technical reports and regulatory submission documents (IND, NDA).
• Stay updated on trends in formulation and drug delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics or related

Tools

HPLC

Dissolution testing

Particle size analysis

Solid-state characterization

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist for its Durban facility. This senior role leads a team to design, develop, and optimize diverse dosage forms and drug delivery systems, from pre-formulation to commercialization.

You will guide cross-functional teams, ensure cGMP compliance, and manage timelines and budgets while advancing innovative formulations and regulatory submissions in the South African context.