Principal Formulation Scientist - Solid Dosage Forms

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Formulation Scientist in Tembisa, Gauteng, on-site. The role leads oral solid dosage development from pre-formulation to commercial manufacturing, shaping robust formulations with strong QA, safety, and efficacy standards.

The candidate will bring deep drug delivery knowledge, scale-up expertise, and cross-functional collaboration to drive innovation and regulatory readiness, while mentoring junior scientists at our R&D facility in Gauteng.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a strong focus on solid oral dosage forms.
• In-depth knowledge of material science, solid-state chemistry, and drug delivery principles.
• GMP knowledge and regulatory guidelines for drug product development.
• Experience with manufacturing processes for tablets and capsules (wet/dry granulation, direct compression, encapsulation).
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong project management and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and lead projects with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation development of new oral solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules, powders).
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, including characterization of APIs and excipients.
• Design and optimize formulation compositions and manufacturing processes.
• Perform scale-up studies and technology transfer to manufacturing sites.
• Utilize advanced formulation technologies to enhance bioavailability and product performance.
• Develop and validate analytical methods in collaboration with the analytical department.
• Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing issues and provide solutions.
• Author and review development reports and regulatory submission sections.
• Stay current with industry trends and regulatory expectations.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to R&D team growth.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication

Independent leadership

Education

PhD or MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences/Pharmaceutics/Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished pharmaceutical company located in Tembisa, Gauteng, ZA, is seeking an exceptional Principal Formulation Scientist specializing in solid dosage forms. This is a critical on-site role where you will spearhead the formulation development of innovative oral solid dosage products, from pre-formulation studies through to commercial manufacturing. You will be instrumental in designing robust formulations that meet stringent quality, safety, and efficacy standards. The ideal candidate possesses extensive expertise in drug delivery systems, excipient selection, process development, and scale-up for tablets and capsules. This position demands a high level of scientific rigor, problem-solving capabilities, and a collaborative spirit to work closely with cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation development of new oral solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules, powders) for various therapeutic areas.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, including physicochemical characterization of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and excipients.
• Design and optimize formulation compositions and manufacturing processes (e.g., granulation, compression, coating, encapsulation).
• Perform scale-up studies and technology transfer to manufacturing sites.
• Utilize advanced formulation technologies and techniques to enhance drug bioavailability and product performance.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for characterizing formulated products, in collaboration with the analytical department.
• Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing-related issues, providing effective solutions.
• Author and review formulation development reports, development summaries, and relevant sections of regulatory submissions (e.g., CTD).
• Stay current with industry trends, regulatory expectations, and scientific advancements in pharmaceutical formulation.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the scientific growth of the R&D team.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of hands‑on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a strong focus on solid oral dosage forms.
• In‑depth knowledge of material science, solid‑state chemistry, and drug delivery principles.
• Proven experience with various manufacturing processes for tablets and capsules (e.g., wet/dry granulation, direct compression, encapsulation).
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory guidelines for drug product development.
• Expertise in laboratory techniques for material characterization and formulation assessment.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Strong project management and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and lead projects with minimal supervision.
• This role requires consistent on‑site presence in Tembisa, Gauteng, ZA.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and an attractive benefits package. This is an opportunity to work on cutting‑edge pharmaceutical development projects and significantly influence product success. You will join a team of highly skilled professionals and have access to advanced research facilities. Opportunities for career advancement and professional development are abundant. Contribute to the development of life‑saving medications and make a tangible difference in patient lives. Be recognized for your scientific contributions and leadership in a challenging and rewarding environment. The role is based at our state‑of‑the‑art facility in Tembisa, Gauteng, ZA, offering a stable and long‑term career path.