Lead Pharmaceutical Scientist - Formulation Development

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Competitive compensation

Access to cutting-edge resources

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Pharmaceutical Scientist to join a remote-first research team. The role leads design, development, and optimization of drug product formulations across dosage forms, guiding a dispersed team of scientists.

You will oversee formulation studies, ensure progression from early development to clinical trials, and contribute to regulatory submissions and publications. Candidates should have a PhD and 8+ years in formulation development, with strong communication and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences required.
• Minimum 8 years in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Experience with drug delivery technologies and dosage form design.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of novel formulations for oral, injectable, and topical delivery.
• Design studies to optimize solubility, stability, bioavailability, and release.
• Utilize advanced characterization techniques to assess formulation performance and properties.
• Manage formulation development projects within timelines and budgets.
• Collaborate with analytical development, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams.
• Mentor remote formulation scientists and provide scientific guidance.
• Contribute to regulatory submissions and scientific publications.

Skills

Formulation development

Team leadership

Remote collaboration

Drug delivery

Analytical techniques

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

HPLC

DSC

XRPD

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Lead Pharmaceutical Scientist with extensive experience in Formulation Development to join their innovative, remote-first research team. This senior role is responsible for leading the design, development, and optimization of drug product formulations across various dosage forms. You will guide a team of scientists, oversee formulation studies, and ensure the successful progression of drug candidates from early-stage development through to clinical trials. This is a premier opportunity for a dedicated scientist to shape the future of drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy through remote collaboration and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of novel pharmaceutical formulations for oral, injectable, and topical drug delivery systems.
• Design and execute studies to optimize drug solubility, stability, bioavailability, and release profiles.
• Utilize advanced characterization techniques to assess formulation performance and physicochemical properties.
• Manage formulation development projects, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Collaborate with analytical development, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams.
• Mentor and provide scientific guidance to a team of formulation scientists remotely.
• Contribute to the preparation of regulatory submission documents and scientific publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• In-depth knowledge of drug delivery technologies, excipient science, and dosage form design.
• Proficiency with formulation development methodologies and analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, DSC, XRPD).
• Experience in leading research projects and managing scientific teams.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills for a remote environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Fully remote work flexibility, allowing for optimal work-life integration.
• Opportunities for significant career advancement and professional impact.
• Access to cutting-edge research resources and collaborative platforms.
• Work on transformative pharmaceutical projects from the comfort of your home office.