Principal Pharmaceutical Development Scientist

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Annual bonus

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Research facilities

Relocation assistance

Work-life balance

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, seeks a Principal Pharmaceutical Development Scientist to lead drug development from early R&D through clinical trials and commercialization in a hybrid work setting.

The role requires a PhD, 8+ years in pharmaceutical R&D, strong leadership, project management, and expertise in formulation, process development, and cGMP. You will mentor staff and collaborate across disciplines to accelerate timelines.

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related discipline.
• 8+ years of progressive pharmaceutical R&D experience with leadership in projects.
• Expertise in formulation development, process optimization, and characterization of small molecules and/or biologics.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP and regulatory requirements (FDA/EMA).
• Proficiency in analytical techniques relevant to pharmaceutical development.
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and team management skills.
• Outstanding communication and data presentation abilities.
• Experience working in a hybrid R&D environment and coordinating cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet demanding timelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead pharmaceutical development projects from preclinical formulation to clinical manufacturing support.
• Design and execute experiments to develop robust formulations for various dosage forms.
• Optimize manufacturing processes for scalability and reproducibility under cGMP.
• Develop and implement analytical methods to support formulation development and QC.
• Conduct and oversee stability studies to determine shelf-life and storage conditions.
• Provide scientific leadership to a team of development scientists and technicians.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners across disciplines and CROs/CMOs.
• Prepare and review technical documentation and regulatory submission components.
• Stay abreast of advances and regulatory trends in pharmaceutical development.
• Champion innovation and contribute to strategic direction of the pipeline.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Formulation development

Process optimization

Regulatory knowledge

cGMP

Analytical techniques

Communication

Hybrid work coordination

Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a globally recognized leader in pharmaceutical innovation, dedicated to advancing healthcare solutions for patients around the world. We are seeking a highly accomplished Principal Pharmaceutical Development Scientist to join our research and development division, working a hybrid schedule from our advanced facility in Randburg, Gauteng . This senior position is pivotal in driving the development of novel drug candidates from early discovery through to clinical trials and commercialization. The ideal candidate will possess a deep scientific understanding of drug development processes, coupled with exceptional leadership and project management skills. You will lead complex projects, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to overcome scientific challenges and accelerate drug development timelines. This role offers a significant opportunity for impact and career advancement within a highly reputable organization that values scientific rigor and innovation. The Randburg, Gauteng location is home to our primary R&D center.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage pharmaceutical development projects, from preclinical formulation and process development to supporting clinical manufacturing.
• Design and execute experiments to characterize drug substances and develop robust formulations for various dosage forms.
• Optimize manufacturing processes for scalability, efficiency, and reproducibility, ensuring compliance with cGMP standards.
• Develop and implement analytical methods to support formulation development and quality control.
• Conduct and oversee stability studies to determine product shelf-life and storage conditions.
• Provide scientific and technical leadership to a team of development scientists and technicians.
• Collaborate effectively with internal departments (e.g., medicinal chemistry, toxicology, clinical operations, manufacturing) and external partners (e.g., CROs, CMOs).
• Prepare and review technical documentation, reports, and regulatory submission components.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements, emerging technologies, and regulatory trends in pharmaceutical development.
• Champion innovation and contribute to the strategic direction of the drug development pipeline.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical R&D and drug development, with significant experience in leading projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in formulation development, process optimization, and characterization of small molecules and/or biologics.
• Strong understanding of cGMP, regulatory requirements (FDA, EMA), and drug development lifecycle.
• Proficiency in a range of analytical techniques relevant to pharmaceutical development.
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and team management skills.
• Superior problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision‑making abilities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data to diverse
• Experience working effectively in a hybrid R&D environment, coordinating activities across different teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet demanding timelines.
• Must be able to work from our facility in Randburg, Gauteng on a hybrid schedule.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, commensurate with your expertise and leadership capabilities, along with a substantial annual bonus.
• A comprehensive benefits package includes premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents.
• A generous retirement savings plan with significant employer matching is available.
• Employees are provided with ample paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Our client invests heavily in professional development, offering funding for advanced training, certifications, and attendance at leading scientific conferences.
• We provide access to state-of-the-art research facilities and foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work culture.
• A strong emphasis is placed on work-life balance.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for exceptional candidates moving to the Randburg, Gauteng area.