Senior Formulation Scientist - Oral Dosage Forms

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision coverage

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development support

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Formulation Scientist for its Vereeniging, Gauteng facility to lead advanced formulation development of oral solid dosage forms. You will guide pre-formulation studies, characterization of APIs/excipients, and scale-up for commercial manufacturing in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

The role demands a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field, 7+ years in formulation development, and a strong regulatory mindset.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, focusing on oral solids.
• Deep knowledge of excipient functionality, drug-excipient compatibility, and solid-state chemistry.
• Experience developing and scaling up various oral dosage forms (e.g., immediate release, extended release).

Responsibilities

• Lead formulation development of complex oral solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules).
• Design pre-formulation studies and characterize APIs/excipients.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for oral dosage forms.
• Conduct screening, selection, and optimization studies.
• Plan stability testing and dissolution profiling.

Skills

Formulation development

Oral solid dosage

Scale-up & tech transfer

Analytical thinking

Regulatory awareness

Leadership

Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Tools

HPLC

Dissolution testing

Solid-state characterization

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized pharmaceutical company at the forefront of therapeutic innovation, is seeking an accomplished Senior Formulation Scientist to lead critical development projects in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This senior-level position will be responsible for the design, development, and optimization of novel oral dosage forms, from early-stage formulation studies through to technology transfer for clinical and commercial manufacturing. The successful candidate will leverage deep expertise in pharmaceutical sciences, materials science, and drug delivery technologies to create robust and effective drug products. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of our client's product pipeline and contribute significantly to patient well-being. Work within a state-of-the-art R&D facility and collaborate with a team of leading scientists in the pharmaceutical field in Vereeniging, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation development of complex oral solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules) and potentially modified-release systems.
• Design and execute pre-formulation studies, including characterization of APIs and excipients.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for various oral dosage forms, considering scalability and robustness.
• Conduct formulation screening, selection, and optimization studies.
• Develop and execute experimental plans for stability testing and dissolution profiling.
• Prepare comprehensive formulation development reports and contribute to regulatory submission documents (e.g., IND, NDA).
• Oversee technology transfer activities to manufacturing sites, ensuring successful scale-up and process validation.
• Collaborate with analytical development, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs teams.
• Mentor junior formulation scientists and contribute to the scientific advancement of the department.
• Stay current with scientific literature, emerging technologies, and regulatory guidelines in pharmaceutical formulation.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a strong focus on oral solid dosage forms.
• In-depth knowledge of excipient functionality, drug-excipient compatibility, and solid-state chemistry.
• Proven experience in developing and scaling up various oral dosage forms (e.g., immediate release, extended release).
• Familiarity with common pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and techniques.
• Strong understanding of ICH guidelines, GMP, and regulatory requirements for drug product development.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific data effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and manage cross-functional collaborations.
• Experience with bioavailability enhancement techniques is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses. Employees have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and opportunities for continuous professional development, including attendance at key scientific conferences and specialized training programs. The role is based in Vereeniging, Gauteng , offering a stimulating and collaborative work environment within a leading pharmaceutical organization. Join a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of pharmaceutical innovation and improving global health outcomes.