Remote Formulation Scientist

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Flexible working hours

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Formulation Scientist to join a remote R&D team in the pharmaceutical sector. You will design, develop, and optimize drug product formulations to ensure efficacy, stability, and bioavailability, working with analytical, process engineering, and regulatory colleagues.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Chemistry, with at least 3 years’ experience in formulation development and hands-on expertise across

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Hands-on experience with various dosage forms and drug delivery systems.
• Knowledge of GMP and regulatory submissions is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel drug product formulations (oral solids, injectables, topical).
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to characterize APIs and excipients.
• Perform formulation screening and optimization to meet release, stability, and bioavailability targets.
• Develop and execute lab-scale formulation development protocols.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and determine root causes.
• Collaborate with analytical scientists to develop/validate testing methods.
• Support tech transfer for scale-up and manufacturing.
• Prepare technical reports, development summaries, and regulatory submissions.
• Stay updated on formulation science and drug delivery trends.
• Ensure compliance with GMP in all activities.

Skills

Formulation development

Independent work

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics/Pharmaceutical Sciences/Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

Dissolution testing

DSC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive pharmaceutical company at the forefront of medical innovation, is seeking a skilled Formulation Scientist to join their remote research and development team. This position is fully remote, allowing you to contribute to groundbreaking formulation development from your home office. The Formulation Scientist will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing drug product formulations to ensure efficacy, stability, and optimal delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). You will work closely with other R&D disciplines, including analytical development, process engineering, and regulatory affairs, to bring new medicines to market. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in pharmaceutical formulation science, extensive hands‑on experience with various dosage forms, and a passion for innovation. This is an exceptional opportunity to be part of a collaborative, globally distributed team focused on creating next‑generation therapeutics, all within a flexible remote work setting. The role is based remotely and does not require presence in East London.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel drug product formulations (e.g., oral solids, injectables, topical).
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to characterize APIs and excipients.
• Perform formulation screening and optimization experiments to achieve desired drug release profiles, stability, and bioavailability.
• Develop and execute protocols for laboratory‑scale formulation development and characterization.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and identify root causes for stability or performance issues.
• Collaborate with analytical scientists to develop and validate analytical methods for formulation testing.
• Support technology transfer activities for scale‑up and manufacturing.
• Prepare technical reports, development summaries, and regulatory submission documents.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in formulation science and drug delivery technologies.
• Ensure all activities comply with relevant regulatory guidelines (e.g., GMP).

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Hands‑on experience with various dosage forms and drug delivery systems.
• Strong understanding of API properties, excipient compatibility, and pre‑formulation principles.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques used for formulation characterization (e.g., HPLC, dissolution testing, DSC).
• Excellent scientific curiosity, problem‑solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, crucial for remote collaboration.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet project deadlines in a remote environment.
• Knowledge of GMP requirements related to formulation development.
• Experience with regulatory submissions is a plus.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off.

Our client is dedicated to fostering a positive work‑life balance with flexible working hours. Professional development opportunities, such as online courses, virtual training, and conference attendance, are provided. Join a dynamic, globally connected R&D team focused on developing innovative pharmaceutical products.

Enjoy the autonomy and convenience of working from home while contributing significantly to a leading organization. We support continuous learning and provide resources for career growth.