Senior Formulation Scientist - Pharmaceutical Development

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Paid vacation and leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg, South Africa, seeks a Senior Formulation Scientist to lead the development of innovative drug products, from concept through scale‑up and technology transfer.

You will design and execute pre‑formulation studies, optimize formulations, and ensure robust quality attributes while collaborating with analytical, regulatory, and manufacturing teams. The role emphasizes mentorship, GMP compliance, and cutting‑edge drug delivery approaches in a modern facility.

Qualifications

• Experience in solid dosage form formulation development.
• Strong background in pre‑formulation, excipient selection and design.
• 5+ years in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Familiarity with GMP and regulatory guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation development of new drug products, including solid dosage forms, semi‑solids, and liquids.
• Design and conduct pre‑formulation studies, solubility enhancement strategies, and stability testing.
• Develop, optimize, and scale‑up formulation processes using various equipment and technologies.
• Characterize drug product performance and ensure critical quality attributes are met.
• Collaborate with analytical development, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams to ensure project progression.
• Prepare comprehensive formulation development reports and contribute to regulatory submissions.
• Troubleshoot formulation and process issues, implementing corrective actions.
• Stay current with industry trends and novel drug delivery technologies.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance within the formulation team.
• Ensure GMP and other regulatory guidelines are followed.

Skills

Formulation development

Pre-formulation

Scale‑up & tech transfer

Analytical skills

Project management

GMP compliance

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master’s or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Mixers

Granulators

Tablet presses

Coaters

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent pharmaceutical organization with a strong presence in Rustenburg, North West , is actively seeking a dedicated Senior Formulation Scientist to enhance their drug product development capabilities. This critical role involves leading the formulation development of new pharmaceutical products, ensuring they meet stringent quality, efficacy, and safety standards. You will be at the forefront of creating innovative dosage forms, from initial concept through to scale-up and technology transfer. This position requires a blend of scientific expertise, hands‑on laboratory skills, and a thorough understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate possesses a passion for problem‑solving and a commitment to advancing patient care through superior drug delivery systems. Join a collaborative team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of pharmaceutical science in a state‑of‑the‑art facility located in the vibrant region of Rustenburg.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation development of new drug products, including oral solid dosage forms, semi‑solid, and liquids.
• Design and conduct pre‑formulation studies, solubility enhancement strategies, and stability testing.
• Develop, optimize, and scale‑up formulation processes using various equipment and technologies.
• Characterize drug product performance and ensure critical quality attributes are met.
• Collaborate with analytical development, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless project progression.
• Prepare comprehensive formulation development reports and contribute to regulatory submission documents.
• Troubleshoot formulation and process‑related issues, implementing effective corrective actions.
• Stay current with industry trends, new excipients, and novel drug delivery technologies.
• Mentor junior scientists and provide technical guidance within the formulation team.
• Ensure all activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other relevant regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical formulation development, with a focus on solid dosage forms.
• Proven expertise in pre‑formulation, excipient selection, and formulation design.
• Hands‑on experience with laboratory equipment for formulation development (e.g., mixers, granulators, tablet presses, coaters).
• Strong understanding of drug product scale‑up, manufacturing processes, and technology transfer.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA) and ICH guidelines.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and draw sound conclusions.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams.
• Detail‑oriented with a commitment to accuracy and scientific integrity.
• Experience with bioavailability enhancement techniques is desirable.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including an attractive base salary and performance‑based incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, encompassing medical, dental, and vision plans, is provided.
• A generous annual leave allowance, coupled with paid sick days and public holidays, ensures a healthy work‑life balance.
• Opportunities for professional growth, including internal training programs and external conference attendance, are actively supported.
• A retirement savings plan with employer contributions is available.
• Employees benefit from working in a modern, well‑equipped facility in Rustenburg, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Our client is committed to employee development and offers clear pathways for career advancement within the pharmaceutical sector.