Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist - Drug Discovery

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid contribution

Retirement fund contribution

Laboratory facilities access

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist in Rustenburg, North West. The role focuses on designing, developing and scaling novel drug formulations, with hybrid work options and collaboration across R&D teams to translate discoveries into viable products.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences and 4+ years’ hands-on formulation experience, proficiency in HPLC/DSC/TGA/XRD, and strong documentation and cross-functional communication skills.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or related discipline
• 4+ years hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development
• Experience with dosage form designs and drug delivery technologies
• Proficiency in analytical techniques (HPLC, DSC, TGA, XRD, dissolution)
• Understanding of physicochemical properties of APIs and excipients
• Experience with formulation development software and stats tools
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Eligible to work in South Africa and relocate to Rustenburg area

Responsibilities

• Design and develop pharmaceutical formulations for dosage forms (oral solids, injectables, topicals)
• Conduct pre-formulation studies on APIs and excipients
• Optimize formulations for stability, bioavailability, manufacturability
• Perform formulation development experiments with various lab techniques
• Develop and validate analytical methods for formulation characterization and QC
• Prepare formulation development reports for regulatory submissions
• Collaborate with analytical, process development, and manufacturing teams for technology transfer
• Stay updated with literature and trends in formulation and drug delivery
• Contribute to project strategy and provide scientific expertise during development phases

Skills

Formulation development

Analytical methods

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

HPLC

DSC

TGA

XRD

Dissolution testing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned pharmaceutical entity at the forefront of drug discovery and development, is actively seeking a skilled and innovative Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist to join their dedicated team in Rustenburg, North West . This vital position focuses on designing, developing, and optimizing novel drug delivery systems and formulations to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. You will be instrumental in translating preclinical discoveries into viable, scalable drug products. This role offers a unique chance to contribute to cutting-edge research and development within a highly respected organization committed to improving global health outcomes. The role requires a blend of laboratory work and theoretical research, with potential for hybrid work arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative pharmaceutical formulations for various dosage forms (e.g., oral solids, injectables, topicals).
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, including characterization of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients.
• Optimize formulations for stability, bioavailability, and manufacturability.
• Perform formulation development experiments using a variety of laboratory techniques and equipment.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for formulation characterization and quality control.
• Prepare comprehensive formulation development reports and summaries for regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate with analytical development, process development, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless technology transfer.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature, technologies, and trends in pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery.
• Contribute to project strategy and provide scientific expertise during development phases.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, preferably in a drug discovery or early development setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in various dosage form designs and drug delivery technologies.
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as HPLC, DSC, TGA, XRD, and dissolution testing.
• Strong understanding of physicochemical properties of APIs and excipients.
• Experience with formulation development software and statistical analysis tools.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a creative approach to scientific challenges.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document research clearly.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and reside in or relocate to the Rustenburg area.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Generous contribution to medical aid and retirement fund.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.
• Collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Potential for hybrid work arrangements to support work-life balance.