Senior Formulation Scientist - Drug Product Development

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental plan

Retirement plan

Bonus opportunities

Modern Upington facility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Formulation Scientist for an on-site role in Upington, Northern Cape. Lead drug product development across dosage forms, from pre-formulation to scale-up, ensuring stability and bioavailability.

The ideal candidate will drive formulation strategies and collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance pipeline candidates. The role requires a PhD or MSc in a related field with at least 5 years of hands-on formulation experience, including manufacturing process

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or related field.
• 5+ years in pharmaceutical formulation development.

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation development across dosage forms (tablets, capsules, injectables).
• Perform pre-formulation studies and excipient selection.
• Develop manufacturing processes (granulation, compression, coating, lyophilization).
• Conduct characterization with dissolution, stability, content uniformity.
• Collaborate with analytical development and manufacturing teams.

Skills

Formulation development

Pre-formulation studies

Analytical techniques

Project leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Education

MSc or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive biopharmaceutical company, is actively seeking a highly skilled Senior Formulation Scientist to lead drug product development initiatives within their state-of-the-art facility in Upington, Northern Cape . This role is central to transforming promising drug candidates into stable, effective, and manufacturable dosage forms. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in various pharmaceutical dosage forms (e.g., oral solids, injectables, topicals), formulation strategies, and characterization techniques. You will oversee the entire formulation development lifecycle, from pre-formulation studies and excipient selection to process development and scale-up support. This on-site position offers a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the pipeline of novel therapeutics in the picturesque setting of Upington, Northern Cape . We foster a collaborative research environment dedicated to scientific excellence and patient well-being.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead formulation development activities for small molecules and biologics across various dosage forms.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to understand drug substance properties and identify suitable excipients.
• Design and execute experiments to develop stable and bioavailable drug products.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for drug products, including granulation, compression, coating, sterile filling, and lyophilization.
• Perform characterization of drug products using analytical techniques such as dissolution testing, physical stability assessment, and content uniformity.
• Troubleshoot formulation and process-related issues and implement effective solutions.
• Prepare comprehensive development reports and contribute to regulatory submission documents (e.g., CMC sections).
• Collaborate closely with analytical development, process chemistry, and manufacturing teams.
• Stay abreast of new formulation technologies and regulatory guidelines.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance.

Requirements

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Proven expertise in developing various dosage forms (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables, suspensions).
• Strong understanding of physical chemistry, materials science, and drug delivery principles.
• Hands-on experience with formulation equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for drug product development (e.g., FDA, EMA, ICH guidelines).
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and experimental design skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead projects and work effectively in a team‑oriented environment.
• Experience with biologics formulation is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and retirement plans, and opportunities for performance‑based bonuses.
• Employees benefit from working in a modern, well‑equipped facility in Upington, Northern Cape , significant professional development opportunities, and a collaborative and innovative work culture.

Join a company dedicated to advancing pharmaceutical science and making a difference in patient lives.