Pharmaceutical Formulations Chemist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid package

Generous annual leave

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, SA, seeks a Pharmaceutical Formulations Chemist to lead formulation development for solid, sterile or liquid dosage forms. You will design, optimize, and validate formulations, ensuring quality and regulatory compliance within a GLP-backed lab.

The role requires a strong chemistry background, 4+ years in formulation development, and collaboration across QA, analytical and manufacturing teams to bring new products to market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related field; PhD advantageous.
• Min 4 years hands-on pharmaceutical formulation development experience.
• Solid dosage forms (tablets/capsules) and/or sterile/liquid formulations experience.
• Knowledge of excipient functionality, degradation pathways, stability testing.
• Familiar with GMP and regulatory requirements for pharma products.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new pharmaceutical formulations for oral, parenteral, or topical routes.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies on APIs and excipients.
• Optimize formulations and manufacturing processes for stability and bioavailability.
• Develop analytical methods for QC of formulations.
• Prepare development reports and regulatory submission data.

Skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Pharmaceutical Sciences or Chemistry

Master's degree

PhD (nice to have)

Tools

HPLC

Dissolution testing

DSC

FTIR

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading innovator in the pharmaceutical industry, is looking for a dedicated and skilled Pharmaceutical Formulations Chemist to join their research and development team in Bloemfontein, Free State. This role is central to the design, development, and optimization of stable, effective, and safe pharmaceutical dosage forms. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in chemistry, extensive knowledge of formulation science, and practical experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. You will be instrumental in bringing new drug products from concept to reality, ensuring they meet stringent quality and regulatory standards. This position is based at our client's state-of-the-art facility in Bloemfontein, offering a challenging and rewarding career path within a dynamic scientific environment. We seek an individual passionate about innovation and committed to scientific rigor.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel pharmaceutical formulations for various routes of administration (e.g., oral, parenteral, topical).
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to characterize active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients.
• Optimize formulation composition and manufacturing processes to achieve desired drug release profiles, stability, and bioavailability.
• Perform compatibility studies between APIs and excipients.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for the characterization and quality control of formulations.
• Investigate and troubleshoot formulation-related issues during development and manufacturing.
• Prepare detailed formulation development reports, technical documentation, and regulatory submission data.
• Collaborate with analytical development, quality control, and manufacturing teams.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in formulation science, drug delivery technologies, and relevant regulatory guidelines.
• Ensure all laboratory activities are conducted in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and safety protocols.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field. A Ph.D. is a plus.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Proven expertise in solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules) and/or sterile/liquid dosage forms.
• Strong knowledge of excipient functionality, drug degradation pathways, and stability testing.
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and processes (e.g., granulation, blending, compression, filling).
• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC, dissolution testing, DSC, and FTIR.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Understanding of GMP and regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical products.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid package.
• Generous annual leave and public holiday allowance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Access to modern laboratory facilities and advanced equipment.
• Collaborative research environment in Bloemfontein.
• Potential for career advancement within a growing pharmaceutical company.