Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist - Innovative Drug Delivery

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health, dental and vision insurance

Professional growth opportunities

Collaborative R&D environment

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement savings plan

Access to modern laboratory facilities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, SA. The role blends hands-on lab work with collaborative remote tasks in a hybrid setup, focusing on innovative drug delivery formulations and comprehensive development reports.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or MSc in a related field and at least 4 years' experience in formulation development, with strong GMP knowledge and proficiency in HPLC, DSC, and dissolution testing.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years' hands-on pharmaceutical formulation development experience.
• Proven ability to design and characterize various dosage forms.
• Strong knowledge of GMP regulations for pharmaceutical development.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop stable, manufacturable formulations (oral solids, injectables, topicals).
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to characterize drug substances and excipients.
• Perform API–excipient compatibility studies.
• Optimize formulations for release and pharmacokinetic properties.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for formulation characterization.
• Prepare development reports, protocols, and presentations.
• Collaborate with analytical development, process development, and regulatory affairs.

Skills

Formulation development

Analytical method development

GMP knowledge

Problem solving

Scientific communication

Education

PhD or MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

HPLC

DSC

Dissolution testing

Rheometer

Job description

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly growing pharmaceutical company specializing in advanced drug delivery systems, is seeking a highly skilled Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist to join their R&D department.

This role is integral to the development of novel formulations that enhance drug efficacy, safety, and patient compliance. You will be involved in all stages of formulation development, from pre-formulation studies to the design and optimization of final dosage forms for various routes of administration.

The position is based in our modern laboratory facility in **Mossel Bay, Western Cape**, offering a stimulating work environment. This hybrid role allows for focused laboratory work and collaborative remote engagement.

We are passionate about translating cutting‑edge science into tangible pharmaceutical products that address unmet medical needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop stable, effective, and manufacturable pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., oral solids, injectables, topicals).
• Conduct pre‑formulation studies to characterize drug substances and excipients.
• Perform compatibility studies between active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients.
• Optimize formulation parameters to achieve desired drug release profiles and pharmacokinetic properties.
• Utilize various analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, dissolution testing, particle size analysis) to characterize formulations and assess stability.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for formulation characterization.
• Prepare comprehensive formulation development reports, protocols, and presentations.
• Collaborate effectively with analytical development, process development, and regulatory affairs teams.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends in pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery.
• Ensure all activities comply with relevant GMP guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Proven expertise in designing and characterizing various dosage forms.
• Strong understanding of physical pharmacy principles, polymer science, and drug delivery technologies.
• Proficiency in using laboratory equipment for formulation preparation and analysis.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, dissolution apparatus, rheometers, and DSC.
• Knowledge of GMP regulations pertaining to pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and team collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross‑functional team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Paid time off and holiday leave.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Access to modern laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Potential for relocation assistance.