Senior Formulation Scientist - Drug Delivery

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Hybrid work model

State-of-the-art labs

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton seeks a Senior Formulation Scientist to lead the design and development of advanced drug delivery systems. The role focuses on polymer-based formulations, pre-formulation work, and scaling up manufacturing processes to bring innovative therapies toward proof-of-concept.

The successful candidate will bring a PhD or MSc in a relevant field with 6+ years in pharmaceutical formulation development, strong analytical capabilities, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in a relevant field.
• Minimum of 6 years hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Expertise across oral solids, injectables, and topical formulations.
• Proficiency with analytical techniques for formulation characterization.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent scientific leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of novel drug delivery systems (extended-release, targeted, parenteral).
• Conduct pre-formulation studies and excipient compatibility work.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes, including scale-up considerations.
• Characterize delivery systems using analytical methods (particle size, microscopy, rheology).
• Oversee stability studies and interpret shelf-life data.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners on formulation projects.

Skills

Formulation development

Drug delivery systems

Polymer science

Analytical characterization

Scientific leadership

Education

PhD or MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences / Chemical Engineering / Polymer Science

Tools

Particle size analysis

Microscopy

Rheology

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Formulation Scientist with expertise in innovative drug delivery systems to join their dynamic research and development team in Sandton . This role is central to designing and developing advanced pharmaceutical formulations that enhance drug efficacy, safety, and patient compliance. You will lead projects from concept to proof-of-concept, utilizing your deep understanding of polymer science, nanotechnology, and pharmaceutical sciences. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned scientist to drive innovation in drug delivery technologies and shape the future of pharmaceutical treatments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of novel drug delivery systems (e.g., extended-release, targeted delivery, parenteral formulations).


• Conduct pre-formulation studies, excipient compatibility, and solubility enhancement strategies.


• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for new formulations, including scale-up considerations.


• Characterize drug delivery systems using advanced analytical techniques (e.g., particle size analysis, microscopy, rheology).


• Oversee stability studies and interpret data to determine shelf-life and storage conditions.


• Collaborate with internal and external partners on formulation development projects.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or a related field.


• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a specific focus on drug delivery systems.


• Expertise in various formulation types, including oral solids, injectables, and topical preparations.


• Proficiency with analytical techniques for formulation characterization.


• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and regulatory requirements.


• Excellent scientific leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary and potential for significant bonuses.


• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.


• Hybrid work model offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.


• Access to state-of-the-art formulation development laboratories.


• Significant opportunities for career advancement and scientific impact.