Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist - Solid Dosage Forms

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance bonus

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Modern laboratory facilities

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist (solid dosage) based in Vereeniging. The role focuses on designing robust oral solid dosage formulations, optimizing processes, and enabling technology transfer from development to manufacturing.

You will work closely with analytical development, regulatory affairs, and QA/QC teams to ensure product quality and efficacy. The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 4–6 years hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, focusing on oral solids.
• Knowledge of excipients and API compatibility, regulatory guidelines (ICH).
• Experience with manufacturing unit operations and analytical characterization.
• Excellent problem-solving, data analysis, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop oral solid dosage formulations (tablets, capsules) for NCEs and generics.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies and optimize formulations and processes.
• Perform lab-scale experiments and support tech transfer to manufacturing.
• Collaborate with analytical development, QA/QC, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing.
• Prepare development reports and stay updated on literature and industry trends.

Skills

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Project management

Written and verbal communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

Analytical techniques

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and growing pharmaceutical company based in Vereeniging, Gauteng , is seeking a talented and innovative Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist specializing in solid dosage forms. This role is crucial for the development of new and improved oral solid dosage medications, from conceptualization through to technology transfer and commercialization. You will be responsible for designing robust formulations, optimizing manufacturing processes, and ensuring the quality and efficacy of the final products. The position involves hands‑on laboratory work, data analysis, and collaboration with cross‑functional teams, including analytical development, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement, blending essential in‑lab time with the flexibility of remote work, supporting a balanced approach to research and development in Vereeniging .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative oral solid dosage formulations (e.g., tablets, capsules) for new chemical entities (NCEs) and generic products.
• Conduct pre‑formulation studies to characterize drug substances and excipients.
• Optimize formulation compositions and manufacturing processes (e.g., wet granulation, dry granulation, direct compression, coating) to achieve desired drug release profiles, stability, and manufacturability.
• Perform laboratory‑scale experiments, including material screening, formulation preparation, and process development.
• Utilize advanced analytical techniques to assess critical quality attributes such as dissolution, content uniformity, hardness, friability, and stability.
• Troubleshoot formulation and process‑related issues encountered during development and scale‑up.
• Prepare detailed development reports, protocols, and summaries for internal use and regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate closely with analytical development, manufacturing sciences, QA/QC, and regulatory affairs teams.
• Provide technical support during technology transfer to manufacturing sites.
• Stay current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and industry trends in pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 4-6 years of hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a strong focus on oral solid dosage forms.
• In‑depth knowledge of pharmaceutical excipients, their functions, and compatibility with various Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
• Proficiency with common pharmaceutical manufacturing unit operations and equipment.
• Experience with various analytical techniques for characterization and quality control of solid dosage forms.
• Understanding of regulatory guidelines (e.g., ICH) pertaining to drug product development and manufacturing.
• Excellent problem‑solving, critical thinking, and data analysis skills.
• Strong project management and organisational abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document research clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in both laboratory and remote settings, demonstrating adaptability.
• Proximity to Vereeniging, Gauteng , is required for regular on‑site laboratory work.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, performance bonuses, and opportunities for professional development and career advancement. The hybrid work model allows for a healthy work‑life balance. Employees benefit from access to modern laboratory facilities and cutting‑edge technology. Our client fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment, encouraging scientific curiosity and professional growth. This role provides a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the development of impactful medicines in Vereeniging, Gauteng , a significant industrial hub.