Pharmaceutical Research Scientist (Formulation Development)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Pharmaceutical Research Scientist specializing in Formulation Development to join a Centurion-based R&D team. You will contribute to the creation of novel drug delivery systems and optimize existing formulations, collaborating with chemists, biologists, and manufacturing specialists.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or MSc in pharmaceutical sciences and has hands-on experience in formulation design, development, and characterization, with strong data analysis and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, preferably in an R&D setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in design and development of diverse dosage forms.
• Strong understanding of physical chemistry, material science, and drug delivery principles.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize pharmaceutical formulations for various dosage forms (oral solids, liquids, injectables).
• Conduct pre-formulation studies including solubility, stability, and compatibility assessments.
• Characterize drug substances and excipients to understand properties and impact on formulation performance.
• Develop and execute experimental plans for formulation development and optimization using lab techniques and equipment.
• Perform drug release testing, pharmacokinetic profiling, and other analytical assays.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and identify root causes of issues.
• Collaborate with analytical development to establish analytical methods for characterization and QC.
• Prepare technical reports, research summaries, and regulatory submission documents.
• Stay current with literature, industry trends, and emerging technologies in formulation and drug delivery.
• Work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and manage laboratory experiments with meticulous records.

Skills

Formulation development

Pre-formulation studies

Analytical data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

Pharmaceutical Sciences (PhD)

Pharmaceutics

Chemical Engineering

Tools

DSC

TGA

XRD

Microscopy

Dissolution testing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished player in the pharmaceutical research and development sector, is seeking a talented Pharmaceutical Research Scientist specializing in Formulation Development to join their innovative team. This role is based in Centurion, Gauteng , and offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the creation of novel drug delivery systems and the optimization of existing pharmaceutical formulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background in pharmaceutical sciences, coupled with hands‑on experience in formulation design, development, and characterization. You will play a key role in advancing our product pipeline, working collaboratively with chemists, biologists, and manufacturing specialists. We are looking for a creative thinker with a passion for scientific discovery and a drive to bring life‑changing therapies to market.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize innovative pharmaceutical formulations for various dosage forms (e.g., oral solids, liquids, injectables).
• Conduct pre‑formulation studies, including solubility, stability, and compatibility assessments.
• Characterize drug substances and excipients to understand their physicochemical properties and impact on formulation performance.
• Develop and execute experimental plans for formulation development and optimization, utilizing a range of laboratory techniques and equipment.
• Perform drug release testing, pharmacokinetic profiling, and other relevant analytical assays.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and identify root causes of performance issues.
• Collaborate with analytical development teams to establish appropriate analytical methods for formulation characterization and quality control.
• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, research summaries, and regulatory submission documents.
• Stay current with scientific literature, industry trends, and emerging technologies in pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery.
• Work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment, contributing to project goals and timelines.
• Manage laboratory experiments and maintain meticulous records of research activities.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, preferably within an R&D setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design and development of diverse dosage forms.
• Strong understanding of physical chemistry, material science, and drug delivery principles.
• Hands‑on experience with analytical techniques relevant to formulation characterization (e.g., DSC, TGA, XRD, microscopy, dissolution testing).
• Familiarity with regulatory guidelines relevant to drug product development (e.g., ICH).
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and a creative approach to scientific challenges.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information clearly.
• Proficiency in data analysis and scientific software.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a retirement savings plan.
• We provide significant opportunities for professional growth, continuous learning, and career advancement within our organization.
• This role in Centurion, Gauteng allows you to work at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation, contributing to the development of groundbreaking medicines.
• We foster a supportive and collaborative work culture, promoting both individual achievement and team success.
• Join us and be part of a mission to improve global health.