Senior Pharmaceutical Development Scientist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual bonuses

Hybrid work arrangement

Health and wellness benefits

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Senior Pharmaceutical Development Scientist to lead formulation development from early research through scale-up at its Nelspruit facility. The role emphasizes formulation science, drug delivery systems, and process development within a collaborative R&D setting, with a hybrid work arrangement.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD or MSc with 5–7 years in pharmaceutical product development, possess strong regulatory knowledge, and demonstrate hands-on lab expertise

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute formulation development experiments for various dosage forms (oral solids, injectables, topicals).
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, API characterization, and excipient compatibility assessments.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for scale-up and commercial production.
• Perform physicochemical characterization and stability studies of drug formulations.
• Prepare development reports, technical summaries, and regulatory documentation.
• Collaborate with analytical development, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.
• Stay abreast of new technologies in pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery.

Skills

Formulation science

Drug delivery systems

Process development

Experimental design

Regulatory awareness

Education

PhD or MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences/Pharmaceutics/Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent global pharmaceutical organization, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Pharmaceutical Development Scientist to join their innovative research and development team in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA**. This role is crucial in driving the development of new drug formulations from early-stage research through to manufacturing scale-up. You will leverage your expertise in formulation science, drug delivery systems, and process development to create effective and stable pharmaceutical products. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background, hands-on experience with formulation technologies, and a deep understanding of regulatory requirements. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the advancement of novel therapies in a collaborative and scientifically driven environment, operating under a hybrid work model that encourages both in-office teamwork and independent focus. We are looking for a scientist passionate about bringing new medicines to patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments for the formulation development of various dosage forms (e.g., oral solids, injectables, topicals).
• Conduct pre-formulation studies, including API characterization and excipient compatibility.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes for scale-up and commercial production.
• Perform physicochemical characterization and stability studies of drug formulations.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment relevant to pharmaceutical development.
• Troubleshoot formulation and process-related issues.
• Prepare detailed development reports, technical summaries, and regulatory documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including analytical development, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and scientific advancements in pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical product development.
• Strong knowledge of formulation science, drug delivery systems, and solid dosage form manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with formulation techniques and process development.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques for characterization and stability testing.
• Understanding of regulatory guidelines (e.g., ICH) pertaining to product development.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a scientific, data-driven approach.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple projects.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Opportunities for professional growth, training, and attending scientific conferences.
• Access to advanced R&D facilities.
• A stimulating and innovative work culture.