Principal Scientist - Pharmaceutical Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Disability insurance

Relocation assistance

Research facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in George seeks a highly accomplished Principal Scientist to lead pharmaceutical development initiatives. This senior role drives formulation, characterization, and scale-up of new drug candidates, offering scientific leadership and strategic direction for progression from early development to clinical trials.

The ideal candidate will possess deep pharmaceutical science expertise, a passion for life-changing therapies, and strong leadership and collaboration skills to guide a team

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years in pharmaceutical R&D, with a focus on drug product development.
• Experience with various dosage forms (e.g., oral solids, injectables) and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of novel drug formulations and delivery systems.
• Oversee pre-formulation studies, including physicochemical characterization and stability testing.
• Design and execute experiments for process development and scale-up activities.
• Collaborate with analytical, pre-clinical, and clinical teams to define development strategies.
• Evaluate new technologies and methodologies to enhance drug development processes.
• Provide expert scientific guidance and mentorship to a team of scientists and technicians.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Mentorship

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a highly accomplished Principal Scientist to lead pharmaceutical development initiatives within their state-of-the-art facility in George . This senior position is critical for driving the formulation, characterization, and scale-up of new drug candidates. You will provide scientific leadership, innovative solutions, and strategic direction to ensure the successful progression of projects from early-stage development to clinical trials. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of pharmaceutical sciences and a passion for bringing life-changing therapies to patients. This role offers the chance to work on impactful projects within a leading organization in the Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and optimization of novel drug formulations and delivery systems.
• Oversee pre-formulation studies, including physicochemical characterization and stability testing.
• Design and execute experiments for process development and scale-up activities.
• Collaborate closely with analytical, pre-clinical, and clinical teams to define development strategies.
• Evaluate new technologies and methodologies to enhance drug development processes.
• Provide expert scientific guidance and mentorship to a team of scientists and technicians.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Extensive experience (8+ years) in pharmaceutical R&D, with a focus on drug product development.
• Deep knowledge of formulation science, manufacturing processes, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience with various dosage forms (e.g., oral solids, injectables).
• Strong leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills required for the George location.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive bonus structure.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, retirement, and disability insurance.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership development.
• Access to cutting-edge research facilities and advanced instrumentation.
• Generous relocation assistance may be provided for candidates outside George .
• A stimulating work environment focused on innovation and scientific excellence.