Senior Formulation Scientist - Pharmaceutical Research & Development

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Formulation Scientist for a leading global pharmaceutical company in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The role drives design, development, and optimization of drug delivery systems and finished dosage forms, guiding projects from concept through preclinical stages with cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or Master’s in pharmaceutical sciences with at least 6 years of formulation experience, strong PK/biopharmaceutics knowledge, and skills in analytical

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive pharmaceutical formulation development experience.
• Experience designing and developing various dosage forms.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative formulations for small molecule and/or biologic drugs.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to understand drug physicochemical properties.
• Optimize formulations to achieve desired pharmacokinetic profiles, stability, and manufacturability.
• Utilize a range of formulation technologies and characterization techniques (e.g., DSC, TGA, XRD, particle size analysis).
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments, interpret data, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Prepare comprehensive documentation for development reports, regulatory submissions, and patent applications.
• Collaborate effectively with analytical, DMPK, pharmacology, and manufacturing sciences teams.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the overall scientific advancement of the R&D department.

Skills

Pharmaceutical formulation

Drug delivery principles

Analytical methods

Regulatory awareness

Education

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Master’s degree in a related field

Tools

DSC

TGA

XRD

Particle size analysis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent global pharmaceutical company, is seeking an innovative Senior Formulation Scientist to drive groundbreaking research and development in Johannesburg, Gauteng . This critical role involves the design, development, and optimization of novel drug delivery systems and finished dosage forms. You will lead projects from concept to preclinical stages, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including analytical chemistry, pharmacology, and regulatory affairs. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in pharmaceutical formulation, a deep understanding of drug physicochemical properties, and a passion for bringing life-changing medicines to patients. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to significant advancements in healthcare within a dynamic and scientifically driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative formulations for small molecule and/or biologic drugs, including oral, parenteral, and topical delivery systems.
• Conduct pre-formulation studies to understand drug physicochemical properties and their impact on formulation development.
• Optimize formulations to achieve desired pharmacokinetic profiles, stability, and manufacturability.
• Utilize a range of formulation technologies and characterization techniques (e.g., DSC, TGA, XRD, particle size analysis).
• Plan and execute laboratory experiments, interpret data, and draw scientifically sound conclusions.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and propose effective solutions.
• Prepare comprehensive documentation for development reports, regulatory submissions, and patent applications.
• Collaborate effectively with analytical, DMPK, pharmacology, and manufacturing sciences teams.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific literature, emerging technologies, and regulatory guidelines in pharmaceutical formulation.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the overall scientific advancement of the R&D department.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and developing various dosage forms.
• Strong understanding of drug delivery principles, pharmacokinetics, and biopharmaceutics.
• Proficiency in formulation development software and analytical techniques.
• Excellent scientific reasoning, problem-solving, and experimental design skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in technical report writing.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA) is highly desirable.
• Experience in the Johannesburg, Gauteng area or willingness to work in a hybrid capacity is required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, generous paid time off, and a robust retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional development, attending scientific conferences, and career advancement are actively supported.
• This hybrid role, based in Johannesburg, Gauteng , provides a stimulating work environment where innovation is encouraged, contributing to the development of vital new medicines.