Senior Biologics Formulation Lead (Cape Town)

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Retirement fund

Professional development

Cutting-edge laboratory equipment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Biologics Formulation Scientist for its Cape Town, Western Cape facility. You will head formulation development for biologics, guiding studies from early development to commercialization and collaborating across teams to ensure stability, efficacy, and manufacturability.

The role requires a Ph.D./Master’s in a relevant field with 7+ years in pharmaceutical formulation, strong protein chemistry and parenteral formulation experience, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Pharmaceutics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a significant focus on biologics.
• Demonstrated expertise in formulating therapeutic proteins, antibodies, or other large molecules.
• Hands-on experience with biophysical characterization methods and interpretation of results.
• Strong understanding of protein degradation pathways and stabilization strategies.
• Experience with parenteral dosage forms and associated manufacturing processes.
• Proven leadership skills and experience managing scientific projects and/or teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation development strategy for new biologic drug candidates, including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and vaccines.
• Design and execute formulation studies to ensure product stability, efficacy, and manufacturability.
• Develop and optimize formulations for various delivery routes, including subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous.
• Utilize biophysical characterization techniques to understand protein behavior in solution and solid states.
• Perform forced degradation studies and mitigate degradation pathways.
• Troubleshoot formulation-related issues and guide manufacturing and process development teams.
• Collaborate with analytical development to establish specifications and release methods.
• Manage external CROs for formulation development activities.
• Mentor junior scientists within the formulation team.
• Prepare reports and contribute to regulatory filings.

Skills

Biologics formulation

Protein chemistry

Biophysical characterization

Leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Ph.D./Master's in Pharmaceutics/ Biochemistry/ Chemistry/ Chemical Engineering

Tools

DLS

DSC

CD spectroscopy

HPLC

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Lead Biologics Formulation Scientist for its Cape Town, Western Cape facility. You will head formulation development for biologics, guiding studies from early development to commercialization and collaborating across teams to ensure stability, efficacy, and manufacturability.

The role requires a Ph.D./Master’s in a relevant field with 7+ years in pharmaceutical formulation, strong protein chemistry and parenteral formulation experience, and proven leadership.