Senior Formulation Scientist

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness programs

Pension scheme

Performance-based bonuses

Professional growth opportunities

Attendance at industry conferences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Formulation Scientist to join its team in Vereeniging, Gauteng. The role focuses on developing and optimizing stable dosage forms, including oral solids, liquids, and injectables, with emphasis on robust formulation strategies and scalable processes.

Ideal candidates possess an MSc or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related fields, with 5+ years of hands-on formulation development experience, in-depth knowledge of excipients, and expertise in analytical

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD required in a related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience in multidisciplinary team environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust formulations for oral solids, liquids, and injectables.
• Design and execute pre-formulation studies to characterize drug substances and excipients.
• Conduct formulation development, including solubility enhancement, stability testing, and bioavailability assessment.
• Investigate and troubleshoot formulation-related issues during development and scale-up.
• Prepare comprehensive documentation, including development reports, protocols, and batch records.
• Collaborate with analytical development, process development, and manufacturing teams for tech transfer and scale-up.
• Stay updated with advancements in formulation science and regulatory requirements.
• Provide guidance to junior scientists and technicians within the team.
• Ensure GMP adherence and quality standards.

Education

M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related discipline

Tools

Dissolution testing

Particle size analysis

DSC

TGA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished leader in the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Formulation Scientist to join their innovative team in Vereeniging, Gauteng, ZA . This critical role involves the development and optimization of stable, effective, and patient-friendly pharmaceutical dosage forms. The successful candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of formulation science, drug delivery systems, and manufacturing processes. You will be instrumental in taking early-stage drug candidates and transforming them into robust, commercially viable products. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to the advancement of pharmaceutical technology and work within a state-of-the-art facility. We are looking for an individual with a keen eye for detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to scientific rigor. This is a chance to play a key role in shaping the product pipeline and ensuring the quality and efficacy of our client's pharmaceutical offerings. Your expertise will be vital in driving the success of formulation development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Develop innovative and robust formulations for various dosage forms, including oral solids, liquids, and injectables. Design and execute pre-formulation studies to characterize drug substances and excipients. Conduct formulation development studies, including solubility enhancement, stability testing, and bioavailability assessment. Investigate and troubleshoot formulation-related issues encountered during development and scale-up. Prepare comprehensive documentation, including development reports, protocols, and batch records. Collaborate with analytical development, process development, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless technology transfer and scale-up. Stay updated with the latest advancements in formulation science, drug delivery technologies, and regulatory requirements. Provide scientific guidance and mentorship to junior scientists and technicians within the formulation team. Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and relevant quality standards.

Requirements

M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related discipline. A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development. Proven experience with various dosage forms and drug delivery systems. In-depth knowledge of excipient functionality, compatibility, and selection. Familiarity with analytical techniques used in formulation characterization (e.g., dissolution, particle size analysis, DSC, TGA). Experience with scale-up and technology transfer processes is highly desirable. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Strong written and verbal communication abilities. Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary and benefits package designed to attract and retain top talent. This includes comprehensive health and wellness programs, a generous pension scheme, and performance-based bonuses. Opportunities for professional growth, continuous learning, and attendance at industry conferences are readily available. The company boasts a collaborative and innovative work environment, equipped with advanced research and development facilities, located in Vereeniging, Gauteng, ZA .