Lead Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist (Remote)

Placements24; Johannesburg; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (medical/dental/eye)

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Home office equipment and internet Sti

Professional development opportunities

Remote-friendly culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist for a fully remote position. You will drive development of innovative drug formulations and guide projects from pre-clinical to clinical development, mentoring a remote team of scientists.

You will oversee pre-formulation studies, scale-up processes, and align with regulatory submissions while staying at the forefront of drug delivery technologies.

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or related field.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Expertise in dosage forms and drug delivery systems.
• Experience leading formulation projects and mentoring scientific staff.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP, ICH guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently in a fully remote environment.
• Experience with statistical software for experimental design is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimization of novel formulations (oral, injectable, topical).
• Oversee pre-formulation studies including solubility, stability, and compatibility testing.
• Scale-up formulations from lab to pilot and commercial processes.
• Characterize products using analytical techniques (HPLC, dissolution, particle size).
• Provide scientific leadership and remote mentorship to a team of formulators.
• Collaborate with analytical development, process chemistry, and regulatory affairs.
• Prepare technical reports, regulatory submissions (IND, NDA), and publications.
• Stay current with advances in drug delivery and formulation science.
• Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing challenges with effective solutions.

Skills

Leadership & mentoring

Regulatory affairs awareness

Analytical skills

Remote collaboration

Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

HPLC

Dissolution testing

Particle size analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized pharmaceutical company, is actively seeking a highly experienced and innovative Lead Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist for a fully remote position. This critical role involves leading the development of novel drug delivery systems and optimizing existing formulations to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. You will spearhead formulation strategy, guide research efforts, and ensure the successful transition of drug candidates from pre-clinical to clinical development stages. As a remote-first professional, you will leverage cutting-edge technology and collaborative tools to engage with a world-class team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned scientist to make a significant impact on the future of medicine from the convenience of their home office. The role demands a deep understanding of pharmaceutical sciences and a proven ability to innovate and lead in a virtual setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of innovative pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., oral, injectable, topical).
• Develop and execute comprehensive pre-formulation studies, including solubility, stability, and compatibility testing.
• Oversee the scale-up of laboratory formulations to pilot and commercial manufacturing processes.
• Characterize formulated products using a range of analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, dissolution, particle size analysis).
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to a team of formulation scientists in a remote capacity.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including analytical development, process chemistry, and regulatory affairs.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, regulatory submissions (e.g., IND, NDA), and scientific publications.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in drug delivery technologies and formulation science.
• Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing challenges, implementing effective solutions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Demonstrated expertise in various dosage forms and drug delivery systems.
• Proven experience in leading formulation projects and mentoring scientific staff.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP, ICH guidelines, and regulatory requirements for drug product development.
• Excellent analytical skills and proficiency with relevant characterization techniques.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and thrive in a fully remote, collaborative environment.
• Experience with statistical software for experimental design and data analysis is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client is committed to attracting top talent and offers a highly competitive salary and bonus structure. We provide comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, along with a generous retirement savings plan and paid time off. Professional development is strongly encouraged through access to training programs, workshops, and conferences. This remote role includes a generous stipend for home office equipment and internet connectivity, ensuring optimal productivity. We foster an inclusive and innovative culture that values work-life balance and employee well-being.