Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng seeks a Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist to design, develop and optimize dosage forms and novel drug delivery systems for new chemical entities and existing drugs. You will collaborate with analytical development, process development and preclinical teams to translate scientific insights into viable pharmaceutical products.

A Master’s or PhD in Pharmaceutics or a related field with 4–6 years of hands-on formulation experience is required, including HPLC,

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4–6 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Proven experience with various dosage forms and drug delivery systems.
• Solid understanding of material science, physical chemistry, and biopharmaceutics.
• Proficiency in formulation development techniques and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop various pharmaceutical dosage forms (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables, topical formulations).
• Investigate and select excipients and formulation strategies to achieve desired drug release profiles and stability.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to characterize drug substances and optimize formulation composition.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for assessing drug product quality attributes.
• Perform stability studies according to ICH guidelines and interpret results to ensure shelf-life.
• Collaborate with process development teams to ensure formulations are scalable and manufacturable.
• Troubleshoot formulation and process-related issues during development and scale-up.
• Prepare technical reports and regulatory submission sections.

Skills

Pharmaceutics

Materials science

Drug delivery

Education

Master's or PhD in Pharmaceutics/Pharmaceutical Sciences/Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

Dissolution testing

Particle size analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking pharmaceutical company, is actively seeking a talented and innovative Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist to contribute to their Research and Development division located in Soweto, Gauteng. This role focuses on the design, development, and optimization of novel drug delivery systems and dosage forms for both new chemical entities and existing drugs. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in pharmaceutics, materials science, and drug delivery technologies. You will be instrumental in translating scientific discoveries into viable pharmaceutical products, working closely with analytical development, process development, and preclinical teams. We are looking for a creative problem-solver with a passion for developing advanced formulations that enhance drug efficacy, safety, and patient compliance. Join our client's dedicated team in Soweto, Gauteng and help shape the future of pharmaceutical therapies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop various pharmaceutical dosage forms (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables, topical formulations).
• Investigate and select appropriate excipients and formulation strategies to achieve desired drug release profiles and stability.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to characterize drug substances and optimize formulation composition.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for assessing drug product quality attributes.
• Perform stability studies according to ICH guidelines and interpret results to ensure product shelf-life.
• Collaborate with process development teams to ensure formulations are scalable and manufacturable.
• Troubleshoot formulation and process-related issues during development and scale-up.
• Prepare technical reports, development summaries, and relevant sections of regulatory submission documents.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in formulation science and drug delivery technologies.
• Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and experimental records in compliance with GxP standards.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Proven experience with various dosage forms and drug delivery systems.
• Solid understanding of material science, physical chemistry, and biopharmaceutics.
• Proficiency in formulation development techniques and equipment.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, dissolution testing, and particle size analysis.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical product development (ICH, FDA, EMA).
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple projects in Soweto, Gauteng.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement contributions, and ample opportunities for professional growth and skill development. You will be part of an innovative research environment in Soweto, Gauteng, working on cutting-edge pharmaceutical projects. We foster a collaborative culture that values scientific curiosity and rewards contribution, providing access to modern laboratory facilities and continuous learning opportunities.