Principal Scientist - Pharmaceutical Development

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Stock options

Leadership training

R&D facilities access

Exclusive bonus potential

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Scientist to lead formulation development and process optimization at their Sandton, South Africa site. The role focuses on drug product development and advancing candidates through clinical stages toward launch, with strong scientific leadership and collaboration across teams.

The successful candidate will guide cross-functional groups, drive innovation in dosage forms, and ensure GMP compliance in a dynamic R&D environment within a leading pharmaceutical

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical development, focusing on formulation and process science.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience managing scientific projects and teams.
• Expertise in various dosage forms (e.g., oral solids, injectables) and drug delivery technologies.
• Strong understanding of analytical techniques relevant to pharmaceutical characterization.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills for a senior role in Sandton.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of pre-formulation and formulation development studies for small molecules and biologics.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for drug products, ensuring scalability and robustness.
• Conduct in-depth physicochemical characterization of drug substances and drug products.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to a team of formulation scientists and researchers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including analytical development, CMC, and regulatory affairs.
• Ensure all development activities comply with GMP and regulatory guidelines.

Skills

Leadership

Formulation science

Analytical techniques

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics/Pharmaceutical Sciences/Chemistry

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Scientist to lead critical initiatives within their Pharmaceutical Development division in Sandton . This senior role is pivotal in advancing drug discovery and development pipelines, focusing on innovative formulation strategies and process optimization. You will leverage deep scientific expertise to tackle complex challenges in drug product development, guide research teams, and contribute significantly to the successful progression of drug candidates through clinical trials and towards market launch. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a leading pharmaceutical organization and make a substantial impact on the future of healthcare, working within a dynamic and collaborative R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of pre-formulation and formulation development studies for small molecules and biologics.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for drug products, ensuring scalability and robustness.
• Conduct in-depth physicochemical characterization of drug substances and drug products.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to a team of formulation scientists and researchers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including analytical development, CMC, and regulatory affairs.
• Ensure all development activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical development , with a focus on formulation and process science.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience managing scientific projects and teams.
• Expertise in various dosage forms (e.g., oral solids, injectables) and drug delivery technologies.
• Strong understanding of analytical techniques relevant to pharmaceutical characterization.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills required for a senior role in Sandton .

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation including a substantial base salary and performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive suite of benefits including premier health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Significant stock options and long-term incentive plans.
• Extensive professional development and leadership training opportunities.
• Access to state-of-the-art research and development facilities in Sandton .