Senior Formulation Scientist, Pharmaceutical Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Bonus program

Paid time off

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Formulation Scientist to join the Development team in Klerksdorp. This hybrid role blends hands-on lab work with remote data analysis and project management to advance pharmaceutical formulations for solid, liquid, and semi-solid dosage forms.

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Pharmaceutics or related field with 7+ years in formulation development, experience in pre-formulation, excipient compatibility, and scaling for manufacture.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Experience with multiple dosage forms and drug delivery tech.
• Hands-on formulation development and lab instrumentation.
• Strong understanding of materials science and excipient interactions.
• Excellent scientific writing and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop formulations for solid, liquid, and semi-solid dosage forms.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies including solubility, stability, and compatibility.
• Optimize formulations for bioavailability, stability, and manufacturability at scale.
• Utilize analytical techniques (dissolution, spectroscopy) to evaluate performance.
• Prepare development reports, protocols, and regulatory submission documents.
• Collaborate with analytical development, process chemistry, and regulatory teams.
• Mentor junior scientists and manage multiple formulation projects.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Scientific writing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Pharmaceutics/Pharmaceutical Sciences/Chemistry

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leader in pharmaceutical innovation, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Formulation Scientist to join their Development team in Klerksdorp. This hybrid role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of novel drug delivery systems, blending essential laboratory work with remote data analysis and project management. You will be instrumental in designing, developing, and optimizing pharmaceutical formulations for various dosage forms, ensuring product efficacy, stability, and manufacturability. This position requires a profound understanding of pharmaceutics, formulation science, and a strong track record in pre-formulation studies, excipient compatibility, and dosage form development. The ideal candidate possesses excellent problem-solving skills, is adept at translating scientific concepts into practical solutions, and thrives in a dynamic, collaborative research environment. Join us and play a pivotal role in bringing life-changing therapies from concept to clinic. Our Klerksdorp facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support groundbreaking pharmaceutical research.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative pharmaceutical formulations for solid, liquid, and semi-solid dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, injectables, and topical preparations.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, including solubility, stability, and compatibility assessments of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients.
• Optimize formulations to enhance bioavailability, stability, and patient compliance, ensuring manufacturability at scale.
• Utilize a range of analytical techniques (e.g., dissolution testing, physical characterization, spectroscopy) to evaluate formulation performance.
• Prepare comprehensive development reports, protocols, and documentation for regulatory submissions.
• Collaborate closely with analytical development, process chemistry, and regulatory affairs teams.
• Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing-related issues, implementing effective solutions.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in formulation science, drug delivery technologies, and regulatory guidelines.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the scientific direction of the formulation development group.
• Manage multiple formulation projects concurrently, ensuring timely project milestones are met.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.Sc. in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Demonstrated expertise in various dosage forms and drug delivery technologies.
• Hands-on experience with formulation development techniques and laboratory equipment.
• Strong understanding of material science, physical chemistry, and drug-excipient interactions.
• Proficiency in analytical methods relevant to formulation characterization (e.g., dissolution, particle size analysis).
• Excellent scientific writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to lead projects and work effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Experience operating within a hybrid work model, managing responsibilities effectively on-site and remotely.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA) for drug product development.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision insurance, and a robust retirement savings plan.
• We provide ample paid time off, opportunities for professional growth through conferences and training, and a stimulating work environment.
• The hybrid model ensures flexibility, and our Klerksdorp location offers a supportive community.
• We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, offering performance-based bonuses and career advancement opportunities.