Lead Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist - Remote Focus

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 2,988,000 - 4,315,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Home office allowance

Access to remote research platforms

Job summary

Placements24 presents an opportunity with a globally recognized pharmaceutical leader seeking a Lead Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist. This remote-first role leads a team of scientists to design, develop, and optimize novel drug formulations across modalities.

You will oversee pre-formulation studies, scale-up, tech transfer, and regulatory documentation while collaborating with regulatory, analytical, manufacturing teams and external partners.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in formulation development.
• Experience with multiple dosage forms (oral solids, injectables, topicals).
• Proven ability to lead remote scientific teams and communicate effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of novel formulations for small molecules, biologics and other modalities.
• Oversee pre-formulation studies including physicochemical characterization.
• Design experiments for formulation optimization, stability, and excipient compatibility.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for drug product quality and performance.
• Manage scale-up and tech transfer to pilot and manufacturing.
• Collaborate with drug substance, analytical, manufacturing and regulatory teams.

Skills

Leadership

Formulation development

Remote leadership

Mentorship

Project management

Education

Master's or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized pharmaceutical leader, is looking for an experienced Lead Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist to spearhead innovative formulation development initiatives. This role is designed as a fully remote, first opportunity, enabling you to leverage your expertise from any location while contributing to cutting-edge pharmaceutical advancements. You will be at the forefront of designing, developing, and optimizing novel drug delivery systems and formulations for a diverse range of therapeutic areas. This position requires a visionary leader with a profound understanding of pre-formulation, formulation science, and manufacturing processes within the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry. The successful candidate will guide a team of talented scientists in a virtual setting, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and scientific rigor. Your responsibilities will extend to ensuring the successful scale-up and transfer of formulations to manufacturing, working closely with various internal and external stakeholders. If you are passionate about transforming scientific discoveries into tangible, patient-ready medicines and excel in a remote-first environment, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of novel formulations for small molecules, biologics, and other therapeutic modalities.
• Oversee pre-formulation studies, including physicochemical characterization and solid-state analysis.
• Design and execute experimental plans for formulation optimization, stability studies, and excipient compatibility.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for assessing drug product quality and performance.
• Manage the scale-up and technology transfer of formulations from laboratory to pilot and commercial manufacturing.
• Collaborate closely with drug substance development, analytical development, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs teams.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of formulation scientists in a remote setting.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies in drug delivery, formulation science, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Prepare and review technical reports, protocols, and regulatory documentation.
• Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing challenges, implementing effective solutions.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Demonstrated experience with various dosage forms (e.g., oral solid dosage, injectables, topical).
• In-depth knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences, material science, and chemical engineering principles.
• Experience with CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor scientific teams, especially in a remote context.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data effectively.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and experimental design.
• Adaptability and strong organizational skills for remote project management.

Benefits

• Highly competitive compensation package including annual bonus.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous allowance for paid time off and public holidays.
• Robust 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth, including conference attendance.
• Allowance for home office setup and ongoing remote work expenses.
• Access to cutting-edge virtual research platforms and tools.
• Chance to contribute to life‑saving and life‑enhancing medications.
• Flexible working arrangements to promote work‑life balance.
• A collaborative and forward‑thinking remote work culture.