Senior Formulation Scientist - Drug Development (Remote)

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Generous PTO

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Formulation Scientist for a fully remote role within a Pharmaceutical R&D team. Lead design, development, and optimization of oral and parenteral formulations, emphasizing bioavailability and manufacturability.

The candidate should have a PhD or MSc with 7+ years in drug formulation, strong regulatory knowledge, and proven remote collaboration & project management skills.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of drug formulation development experience in the Pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven expertise in diverse dosage forms including oral solids and parenteral formulations.
• Hands-on experience with characterization techniques (DSC, TGA, XRD, SEM, particle size).
• Strong understanding of regulatory guidelines (ICH, FDA, EMA).
• Excellent written and verbal communication for remote collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple projects autonomously in a remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute pre-formulation studies (solubility, stability, compatibility).
• Develop and optimize formulations for tablets, capsules, injectables, and controlled-release systems.
• Characterize properties of drug substances and excipients.
• Apply advanced formulation techniques to overcome development challenges.
• Conduct stability studies per ICH and determine shelf-life/storage conditions.
• Troubleshoot formulation issues during development and scale-up.
• Collaborate with analytical development, process chemistry, and manufacturing teams.
• Prepare technical reports, development summaries, and regulatory documents.
• Stay updated on formulation science advances and technology.
• Mentor junior scientists in a remote R&D team.

Skills

Pharmaceutics

Formulation development

Oral solid dosage forms

Parenteral formulations

Regulatory knowledge

Remote collaboration

Education

Ph.D. or Master’s in related field

Tools

DSC

TGA

XRD

SEM

Particle size analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking Pharmaceutical company renowned for its commitment to innovation, is actively seeking a highly motivated Senior Formulation Scientist to join their drug development team. This position is entirely remote, allowing you to contribute your expertise from your home office. You will play a pivotal role in the design, development, and optimization of novel drug formulations for both oral and parenteral dosage forms. This role demands a deep understanding of pharmaceutics, material science, and pre-formulation studies. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in developing stable, bioavailable, and manufacturable drug products, with a strong emphasis on advanced formulation technologies. Our client fosters a collaborative, remote-first environment, encouraging scientific excellence and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments for pre-formulation studies, including solubility, stability, and compatibility assessments.
• Develop and optimize drug formulations for various dosage forms (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables, controlled-release systems), focusing on enhanced bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.
• Characterize the physical and chemical properties of drug substances and excipients.
• Utilize advanced formulation techniques and technologies to overcome development challenges.
• Conduct stability studies according to ICH guidelines and analyze results to establish shelf-life and storage conditions.
• Troubleshoot formulation-related issues during development and scale-up.
• Collaborate effectively with analytical development, process chemistry, and manufacturing teams to ensure successful product development.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports, development summaries, and regulatory submission documents.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in pharmaceutical formulation science and technology.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a knowledge-sharing culture within the virtual R&D team.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in drug formulation development within the Pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven expertise in developing diverse dosage forms, with a strong understanding of oral solid dosage forms and/or parenteral formulations.
• Hands-on experience with formulation characterization techniques (e.g., DSC, TGA, XRD, SEM, particle size analysis).
• Knowledge of drug delivery systems and technologies.
• Excellent understanding of regulatory requirements and guidelines (ICH, FDA, EMA).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and experimental design skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, essential for effective remote collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects autonomously in a remote setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and bonus program, coupled with a comprehensive benefits package including robust health insurance, retirement planning options, and generous paid time off. We are committed to employee development, providing ample opportunities for learning, training, and career advancement within a cutting-edge research environment. This fully remote position offers exceptional work-life balance and the flexibility to work from your preferred location. Join our innovative Pharmaceutical team and contribute to the development of next-generation therapeutics.