Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a skilled Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist to join its R&D team in Paarl. You will design, develop, and optimize dosage forms, transforming APIs into viable medicines with a focus on stability and bioavailability.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences and at least 4 years of hands-on formulation experience, using GMP-compliant methods in a collaborative environment dedicated to impactful drug development.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field.
• 4+ years hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Strong knowledge of drug delivery systems and dosage form design.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct pre-formulation studies to characterize APIs and excipients.
• Develop formulations (tablets, capsules, injectables, topical) for various therapies.
• Perform stability testing and optimize formulations to meet specs and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate excipients and processes for drug product development.
• Document procedures and results for regulatory submissions and internal reviews.

Skills

Formulation development

Drug delivery

Analytical techniques

GMP knowledge

Regulatory guidelines

Education

Master's/PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist to join their innovative research and development team in Paarl. This role focuses on designing, developing, and optimizing stable and effective pharmaceutical dosage forms for new and existing drug products. You will play a key role in transforming active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) into viable medications, ensuring optimal bioavailability, stability, and patient compliance. This is an excellent opportunity for a scientifically driven individual to contribute to the advancement of pharmaceutical product development within a cutting‑edge research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct pre-formulation studies to characterize APIs and excipients.
• Develop novel and improved pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables, topical solutions) for various therapeutic areas.
• Perform compatibility studies, stability testing, and optimize formulations to meet product specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate and select appropriate excipients and manufacturing processes for drug product development.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment used in formulation development and characterization.
• Document all experimental procedures, results, and conclusions in detailed reports for regulatory submissions and internal reviews.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Strong knowledge of drug delivery systems, excipient functionality, and dosage form design principles.
• Experience with analytical techniques for drug product characterization (e.g., dissolution testing, particle size analysis).
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory guidelines pertaining to formulation development.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical and retirement contributions.
• Access to advanced formulation development technologies and resources.
• Opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning in pharmaceutical sciences.
• A dynamic and collaborative R&D environment.
• Contribute to the development of life‑changing pharmaceutical products.