Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist - Upington

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement savings plan

Professional growth opportunities

Conference participation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist for its R&D team in Upington, Northern Cape. The role focuses on designing, developing, and optimizing solid and liquid dosage forms, while advancing pre-formulation studies and scale-up activities.

You will work with cross-disciplinary teams to validate analytical methods, perform in vitro release testing, and contribute to regulatory submissions and patent filings. A strong background in pharmaceutics and drug delivery is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 3–5 years hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development within the industry.
• Proven expertise in various dosage forms and drug delivery systems (e.g., solid oral dosage, sterile injectables, controlled release).
• Experience with formulation development equipment and analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, DSC, TGA, particle size analysis).
• Strong understanding of physicochemical principles, drug–excipient interactions, and biopharmaceutics.
• Knowledge of GMP, regulatory requirements (FDA, EMA, SAHPRA), and relevant ICH guidelines.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and experimental design skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities, with strong report-writing skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Passion for innovation and a results-driven approach to formulation development.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize novel pharmaceutical formulations for various therapeutic areas.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies including solubility, stability, compatibility, and excipient characterization.
• Perform in vitro release testing and bioequivalence studies to support formulation development.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for characterizing drug substances and products.
• Scale-up laboratory formulations to pilot and commercial manufacturing.
• Collaborate with analytical development, quality control, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful product development.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and regulatory documentation (IND, NDA), and patent applications.
• Stay updated with advancements in drug delivery technologies and regulatory guidelines.
• Troubleshoot formulation-related issues and propose innovative solutions.
• Maintain a well-equipped laboratory environment and adhere to safety regulations.

Skills

Formulation development

Drug delivery

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Master's or PhD in Pharmaceutics or related

Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

DSC

TGA

Particle size analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pharmaceutical innovator, is seeking a highly skilled Pharmaceutical Formulation Scientist to join their Research & Development department based in Upington, Northern Cape . This role is central to the development of new drug delivery systems and dosage forms, ensuring the efficacy, safety, and stability of pharmaceutical products. The successful candidate will design, develop, and optimize various pharmaceutical formulations, conduct pre-formulation studies, and support formulation scale-up activities. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge pharmaceutical development in a region known for its unique research potential. We are looking for a scientist with a strong theoretical understanding and practical experience in pharmaceutics and drug delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize novel pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables, topical preparations) for various therapeutic areas.


• Conduct pre-formulation studies, including solubility, stability, compatibility, and excipient characterization.


• Perform in vitro release testing and bioequivalence studies in support of formulation development.


• Develop and validate analytical methods for characterizing drug substances and drug products.


• Scale-up laboratory formulations to pilot and commercial manufacturing processes.


• Collaborate with analytical development, quality control, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful product development and launch.


• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, documentation for regulatory submissions (e.g., IND, NDA), and patent applications.


• Stay current with advancements in drug delivery technologies, pharmaceutics, and regulatory guidelines.


• Troubleshoot formulation-related issues and propose innovative solutions.


• Maintain a well-equipped laboratory environment and adhere to all safety regulations.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. degree in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.


• A minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development within the industry.


• Proven expertise in various dosage forms and drug delivery systems (e.g., solid oral dosage, sterile injectables, controlled release).


• Experience with formulation development equipment and analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, DSC, TGA, particle size analysis).


• Strong understanding of physicochemical principles, drug-excipient interactions, and biopharmaceutics.


• Knowledge of GMP, regulatory requirements (FDA, EMA, SAHPRA), and relevant ICH guidelines.


• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and experimental design skills.


• Effective written and verbal communication abilities, with strong report-writing skills.


• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.


• Passion for innovation and a results-driven approach to formulation development.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary commensurate with experience, comprehensive medical benefits, and a retirement savings plan. Opportunities for professional growth, including advanced training and conference participation, are provided. The company cultivates a collaborative and scientifically stimulating work environment. This position is based in Upington, Northern Cape , offering a unique opportunity to contribute to pharmaceutical innovation.