Lead Pharmaceutical Formulations Chemist

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based incentives

Private health coverage

Life assurance

Generous pension scheme

Training programs

Support for conferences

Career advancement opportunities

Work environment in Pretoria

Work-life balance initiatives

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking an experienced Lead Pharmaceutical Formulations Chemist to head a team of formulation scientists, guiding drug product development from pre-formulation to scale-up. This role demands deep knowledge of solid dosage forms, parenteral formulations, and drug delivery technologies.

You will drive project management, mentor staff, ensure GMP and regulatory readiness, and collaborate with analytical, process development, and regulatory affairs teams.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years in pharmaceutical formulation development, with at least 3 years in leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of solid dosage forms and parenteral formulations.
• Hands-on experience with formulation equipment and process scale-up.
• Strong knowledge of GMP regulations and quality control principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of formulation scientists, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance management.
• Oversee the development of novel and generic drug formulations (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables, topical preparations).
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to characterize drug substances and excipients, assessing their compatibility and stability.
• Design and execute formulation development experiments using a range of laboratory techniques and equipment.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, ensuring scalability and robustness for commercial production.
• Collaborate closely with analytical chemistry, process development, and regulatory affairs teams to ensure seamless project progression.
• Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing challenges, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• Prepare comprehensive development reports, technical documentation, and regulatory submissions.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, industry trends, and regulatory requirements in pharmaceutical formulation.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other relevant quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related

Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related

Tools

Formulation equipment

Process scale-up

Stability testing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent name in the pharmaceutical industry, is seeking an experienced Lead Pharmaceutical Formulations Chemist to join their research and development hub in Pretoria, Gauteng . This leadership position is critical for driving the innovation and development of stable, effective, and safe pharmaceutical dosage forms. You will lead a team of formulation scientists, guiding them through the entire drug product development lifecycle, from pre-formulation studies to scale-up and technology transfer. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of physical chemistry, polymer science, and drug delivery technologies, coupled with a proven ability to manage complex projects and mentor scientific staff. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of drug products and contribute to advancements in healthcare within a collaborative and scientifically driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of formulation scientists, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance management.
• Oversee the development of novel and generic drug formulations (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables, topical preparations).
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to characterize drug substances and excipients, assessing their compatibility and stability.
• Design and execute formulation development experiments using a range of laboratory techniques and equipment.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, ensuring scalability and robustness for commercial production.
• Collaborate closely with analytical chemistry, process development, and regulatory affairs teams to ensure seamless project progression.
• Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing challenges, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• Prepare comprehensive development reports, technical documentation, and regulatory submissions.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, industry trends, and regulatory requirements in pharmaceutical formulation.
• Ensure all activities are conducted in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other relevant quality standards.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with at least 3 years in a team leadership or supervisory role.
• Extensive knowledge of solid dosage forms, parenteral formulations, or other relevant dosage forms.
• Proficiency in formulation development techniques, excipient selection, and stability testing.
• Hands-on experience with formulation equipment and process scale-up.
• Strong understanding of physical chemistry, material science, and analytical techniques used in formulation development.
• Familiarity with GMP regulations and quality control principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including private health coverage, life assurance, and a generous pension scheme.
• We are committed to employee growth through continuous training programs, support for attending scientific conferences, and opportunities for career advancement.
• The working environment in Pretoria is stimulating and supportive, fostering innovation and collaboration.
• We offer excellent work-life balance initiatives and a chance to be part of a company that is making a significant impact on global health.
• Relocation assistance may be available for highly qualified candidates.